The Abidjan Principles are the reference text on the right to education, that was adopted by the most qualified experts in February 2019, following three years of consultation. They compile existing law on the right to education, in particular in the context of privatisation and commercialisation in education, and tell us what States are legally obliged to do in education.

In just four years, the Principles have been recognised by more than 10 human rights bodies and legal institutions. They were also recently referenced in the Tashkent Declaration, which was adopted at the UNESCO World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in November 2022. 

To advocate for them is among our priorities, as we call on governments and intergovernmental institutions to focus on building strong and free public education systems with a focus on human rights, instead of diverting funds to a private sector that frequently privileges profit.

GI-ESCR has prepared 3 briefs on the Abidjan Principles (AP) which present in a synthetic manner essential information regarding the principles, which are a reference point for governments, educators and education providers when debating the respective roles and duties of states and private actors in education.