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16/09/2024

Side event: The UPR and protecting education in conflict

UPR Info, in partnership with the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attacks, will host a side event during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, titled "Protecting Education in Conflict and the Universal Periodic Review." 

This event is supported by the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict, the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies, and the Safe Schools Declaration Core Group.

The event will take place from 13.00 to 14.00 (CEST) on Wednesday 18th September.

In-person: Room XXV, Building E, Palais des Nations, Geneva (Indico)

The aim of this event is to understand the role of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in promoting education in times of conflict. Thanks to its universality, the UPR is a unique platform to raise the issue of education in the fragile and challenging contexts of conflict zones. Therefore, we aim to leverage its comprehensive approach, to respond to a wide range of human rights violations in affected countries and to address the consequences of conflict on educational quality and access. 

The event will also be a platform to discuss how the UPR recommendations can be instrumental on the acceptance and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and Guidelines for protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict. Similarly, it will function as a tool to raise awareness on the need for more synergies across UN Treaty Bodies and UPR on the protection of education in conflict.

Moderator: Ms. Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director of UPR Info

Opening remarks: H.E. Mr. Christophe Payot,Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative – Permanent Mission of Belgium

Side evet HRC 57

Speakers : 

  • Ms. Ilaria Paolazzi, Senior Advocacy and Policy Adviser, Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)

  • Ms. Mikiko Ōtani, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

  • Mr. Ayman Al-Kenani, Director of Training, Mwatana for Human Rights

For more information, click to access the concept note.