HRC56 - Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education - EU Statement
United Nations Human Rights Council
56th session
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
24 June 2024
EU statement
Mr. President,
Madam Special Rapporteur,
The European Union welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report on the right to academic freedom from a right to education perspective as well as her extensive work on the Principles for Implementing the Right to Academic Freedom.
It is fundamental that States recognize and uphold the right to academic freedom as an integral part of the right to education, as all educational levels are interrelated. The right to academic freedom is legally grounded in several provisions. In its General Comment no. 13, the Committee on ESCR affirms that “the right to education can only be enjoyed if accompanied by academic freedom of staff and students.”
The EU and its Member States are committed to respect, protect and fulfil the right to academic freedom, including the right to teach, to engage in discussions and debates with persons and groups inside and outside the academic community, to conduct research, and to disseminate opinions and research results.
As all human rights are indivisible and interdependent, the right to academic freedom is intrinsically linked to the rights to participate in public affairs, the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and to freedom of opinion and expression.
In this context, we thank the Special Rapporteur for calling attention to the growing harassment, retaliation, repression and violence that individuals exercising their academic freedom face and the rise of disinformation associated with restrictions to academic freedom. Members of the academic community have the right to fulfil their functions free from hindrance and insecurity, with the full protection of international law.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
What concrete measures can States take in collaboration with academic, research and scientific institutions, as well as teachers, students and researchers to protect the right to academic freedom?