The Education and Academia Stakeholder Group (EASG) warmly welcomes the Human Rights Council’s new resolution reaffirming the vital role of education in strengthening democracy, human rights, and the rule of law (A/HRC/58/L.17/Rev.1). We strongly agree that inclusive, quality education — rooted in critical thinking, civic engagement, and respect for human rights — is indispensable for building resilient, equitable, and peaceful societies.
At a time when democratic backsliding, disinformation, and attacks on education are on the rise, this resolution rightly calls for determined and coordinated action. It underscores the need to safeguard educational spaces, protect educators and students, and prioritise media and critical literacy, including digital competencies to counter threats to democratic governance.
We particularly applaud the Council’s recognition of the central role of civil society, Indigenous communities, and national human rights institutions, and we urge Member States to fully integrate education for democracy and global citizenship into their national strategies. Meaningful participation must include those traditionally marginalized and uphold the right to education as a fundamental enabler of all other rights.
EASG also supports calls for the establishment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy, as an important step toward ensuring continuous monitoring, guidance, and international cooperation on this urgent issue.
We remain committed to advocating for education systems that foster informed, active, and critical democratic participation — and we call on governments and all stakeholders to match these commitments with concrete actions and investments.
