OHCHR Establish Open-ended intergovernmental working group on an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child - Human Rights Council Resolution 56/5

The working group, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is tasked with:

• Examining the legal, policy, and financial barriers that prevent universal access to free pre-primary and secondary education.
• Identifying innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure equitable access to education, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable children.
• Assessing government initiatives aimed at removing barriers to free public education through policy reforms, resource allocation, and cross-sectoral cooperation.
• Encouraging contributions from national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on strategies to advance educational rights.

The working group will submit its findings and a draft protocol for consideration at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.

As part of the preparatory process for its first session, OHCHR is seeking input from national human rights institutions, organizations, and experts. Contributions are particularly encouraged on the following topics:

1. Barriers to free pre-primary and secondary education in law, policy, and practice, with a focus on their impact on marginalized children.
2. Innovative financial mechanisms to support the full and effective implementation of free public education.
3. Government actions to eliminate barriers and expand free education through legislation, policy measures, and international cooperation.
4. Programs and initiatives implemented by organizations to promote access to free education.

The discussions and contributions will inform the working group’s deliberations and shape recommendations for advancing the right to free, quality education at the global level.

RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON 10 JULY 2024