Compulsory primary education

Type of entry: Right

The element of compulsion serves to highlight the fact that neither parents, nor guardians, nor the State are entitled to treat as optional the decision as to whether the child should have access to primary education. Similarly, the prohibition of gender discrimination in access to education, required also by articles 2 and 3 of the Covenant, is further underlined by this requirement. It should be emphasized, however, that the education offered must be adequate in quality, relevant to the child and must promote the realization of the child's other rights. CESCR/GC11

Broader Terms:

Compulsory primary education, progressive implementation of

Narrower Terms:

Other Related Terms (keywords):

Discrimination
Girls
Special groups

Relevant ICESCR Articles:

13(2)(a): Primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all;

14: Each State Party to the present Covenant which, at the time of becoming a Party, has not been able to secure in its metropolitan territory or other territories under its jurisdiction compulsory primary education, free of charge , undertakes, within two years, to work out and adopt a detailed plan of action for the progressive implementation, within a reasonable number of years, to be fixed in the plan, of the principle of compulsory education free of charge for all.