Sadly such a right remains an elusive and distant dream for millions of the world’s poorest people, even though education has been described by some as a ‘silver bullet’ in the fight to end poverty.

Study after study shows that basic education – especially for girls and women – is one of the best development investments that can be made. According to UNICEF, one out of every six children born to women without an education dies before the age of five. That rate is reduced by half if a woman receives primary school education. Education plays a pivotal role in the fight against poverty, maternal and infant mortality, ill-health and especially against HIV/AIDS. 

The world has made much progress towards achieving universal primary education, with over 40 million more children attending school since 1990. However, those who remain excluded are more and more seen to belong to specific marginalised groups, particularly children with disabilities, who live in conflict-affected states or are from linguistic and ethnic minorities. To really achieve equitable development it will be crucial to ensure these groups are able to access their right to education.