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UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education
The UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education was adopted on
14 December 1960 and entered into force on 22 May 1962.
Article 1
1. For the purposes of this Convention, the term "discrimination" includes
any distinction, exclusion, limitation or preference which, being based
on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national
or social origin, economic condition or birth, has the purpose or effect
of nullifying or impairing equality or treatment in education [...].
Article 2
When permitted in a State, the following situations shall not
be deemed to constitute discrimination, within the meaning of Article 1
of this Convention. [...]
(b) The establishment or maintenance, for religious or linguistic reasons,
of separate educational systems or institutions offering an eduaction which
is in keeping with the wishes of the pupil's parents or legal guardians,
if participation in such systems or attendance at such institutions is
optional and if the education provided conforms to such standards as may
be laid down or approved by the competent authorities, in particular for
education of the same level.
Article 5
1. The States Parties to this Convention agree that:
(a) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human
personality an d to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms; it shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among
all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities
of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace;
(b) It is essential to respect the liberty of parents and, where applicable,
of legal guardians, firstly to choose for their children institutions other
than those maintained by the public authorities but conforming to such
minimum educational standards as may be laid down or approved by the competent
authorities and, secondly, to ensure in a manner consistent with the procedures
followed in the State for the application of its legislation, the religious
and moral education of the children in conformity with their own convictions;
and no person or group of persons should be compelled to receive religious
instruction inconsistent with his or their conviction;
(...)
Source: UNTS, vol. 429, p.93. A full
text version of the UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Eduaction
can be found on the Homepage of the United Nations HIgh Commissioner for
Human Rights.
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