The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), in partnership with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, is organizing a Joint Colloquium on Realizing Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) in Africa with a Focus on the Right to Education, scheduled for 21 - 22 October 2024 in Banjul, The Gambia, on the margins of the 81st Ordinary Session of the ACHPR.
The fundamental right to quality education is enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. It is further safeguarded in key human rights frameworks in Africa, including Article 17(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Article 11 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Article 12 of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa.
The Colloquium seeks to explore the nature, content, and obligations of States regarding ESCR, focusing on the right to education. It also aims to address the challenges surrounding the fundamental human right to education, particularly in ensuring universal access and quality education for all, with a particular emphasis on marginalized and vulnerable groups and individuals, such as girls, asylum seekers, migrants, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, older persons, and stateless populations. Overcoming these hurdles is essential in creating inclusive educational systems that empower individuals and safeguard their rights. Drawing lessons across the region, the Colloquium hopes to share good practices that African governments can replicate.
Objectives of the Joint Colloquium:
- Reflect on the advancements and obstacles pertaining to ESCR in Africa.
- Share successful practices and achievements.
- Raise awareness about the right to education.
- Identify strategies to overcome barriers faced by vulnerable groups in enjoying their ESCR, particularly the right to education.
- Foster partnerships to accelerate progress towards inclusive and high-quality education in Africa.
Call Details:
The topics enclosed in Annex 1, accompanying this Call, have been meticulously curated to serve as the guiding compass for thought-provoking deliberations and insightful analyses during the colloquium and would also be in a compilation after the Colloquium to contribute to the body of knowledge on the subjects. These topics are strategically designed to stimulate robust discussions, foster innovative ideas, and inspire a profound exploration of solutions and perspectives crucial to advancing the discourse on realizing ESCR, specifically focusing on the Right to Education, in the various sessions of the Colloquium.
Submission Requirements & Deadline:
- Original contributions are invited from Independent Experts, and members of the Academia specialized in ESCR, including with a focus on the right to education as applicable.
- Papers by single authors.
- Papers must align with the theme for 2024 as outlined in the attached concept note and its objectives.
- Languages: Submissions will be accepted in English, French, Portuguese or Arabic.
- Word Count: Maximum 2000 words per paper.
- Submissions in Word format only; PDFs will not be considered.
- Include a short bio with full name, contact details, organization/job title (if applicable), and a brief article summary.
Submission deadline: 26 September 2024.
Submit via email to all the following addresses:
Selected experts are required to participate in the Colloquium in person to present highlights of the papers, and the organizers will cover their travel expenses, including flight tickets and daily subsistence allowance (DSA). A token honorarium will also be provided upon successful publication.
Potential contributors are requested to proofread their submissions to ensure that the language and style are of high quality. Feedback on selected papers will be given within one week of the deadline for submission of the papers.
We look forward to insightful contributions that will advance understanding and progress in realizing ESCR, particularly the right to education in Africa.