The UNCRC and the SDGs on schools

Just being in school does not make children learn things. There must be good teaching and teachers too. In many countries, the number of children attending school has increased, but there have not been more classrooms or more teachers. That's why it's important to improve the quality of education. Both the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the SDGs describe children's right to education.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to education. It also states that all children must attend primary school and that it should be free. Countries that have signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child should work to ensure that more people can continue studying at secondary and tertiary level after primary school.

Article 29 states that in school all pupils should develop to their full potential. Schools should prepare pupils to take responsibility for their own lives. Schools should teach pupils about human rights and the equal value of all people.

Children's right to information and privacy

Article 17 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to know about the world around them. This is the responsibility of each country.

All adults and children have the right to know what is happening in their country and in other countries around the world in a way they understand. This could be through the internet, newspapers or TV. Children should be protected from films and texts that could harm them. The information people receive should help them develop and live a healthy life.

Children also have the right to be protected from invasions of their privacy. This applies wherever they are. Both at home and at school. Article 16 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to privacy. For example, no one can read your mail or diaries without asking your permission. Parents are also not allowed to read their child's mobile phone messages without asking first. The right to privacy can also mean being able to close a door and be left alone. Every country should provide children with protection from intrusion so that their privacy is respected.

Global goals

Global Goal 4 is good education for all. The goal has 10 targets. Some examples of targets are:

• Everyone should go to primary and secondary school
• Girls and boys should have equal opportunities
• Safe schools for more people
• Further education at university for more people.

The goal of quality education for all also states that if you belong to a minority or other vulnerable group, as a child you should have the same right to go to school as everyone else.

Children's education should be good

Global Goal 4 measures not only how many people are in school, but also how students are doing in class. If countries know how they are doing, they can more easily improve what is not good. Measurement is important to ensure that everyone gets a good education.

This text was originally published on January 1, 2019.