UN Human Rights Council Focuses on Children’s Education Rights
The United Nations Human Rights Council recently hosted a panel discussion on the importance of quality education for peace and tolerance for every child. This event took place on September 18th as part of the council’s 57th session, which runs from September 9th to October 11th in Geneva.
The topic of quality education for peace and tolerance was brought to the table by Kazakhstan, in line with a resolution adopted last year. The event, supported by the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, saw the participation of representatives from over 130 countries.
During the panel discussion, Kazakh Ambassador-at-Large of the Foreign Ministry Alua Nadirkulova emphasized the role of education as a key tool in ensuring peace and stability in societies worldwide. She also shared Kazakhstan’s experience in repatriating and reintegrating children from conflict zones in Syria and Iraq, highlighting the importance of education in the rehabilitation process.
Following the successful repatriation of 725 Kazakh citizens, including men, women, and children, Nadirkulova noted that education plays a crucial role in the recovery and future prospects of children affected by armed conflicts. Over 200 children have been enrolled in preschool education, while more than 200 are attending schools. Additionally, recreational activities such as visits to theaters, museums, and sports events are helping these children socialize and integrate into society.
To prevent stigmatization, children born in war zones are issued birth certificates indicating their parents’ home cities as their birthplaces. This measure aims to facilitate the children’s adaptation in society and schools they attend. Overall, the focus remains on promoting respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and tolerance through education.
In a side event titled “Right to Live in Peace: Reintegration of Kazakh Citizens from Conflict Zones into Society,” organized by the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the UNOG, the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), and the Aqniet Kazakh Foundation, the importance of ensuring the rights and freedoms of returnees from conflict zones was highlighted. GCERF executive director Khalid Koser praised Kazakhstan’s efforts in this regard and acknowledged the partnership established with GCERF.
The event also featured a repatriate of the Jusan humanitarian operation, who shared her personal experiences from staying in a Syrian camp. The discussions underscored the significance of education in promoting peace, tolerance, and the successful reintegration of individuals affected by conflict.
