Qatar Stresses Importance of Education as Key Priority
Geneva – Information Office - 07 June
The State of Qatar confirmed that it pays great attention to formal and non-formal education and considers it a key priority.
This came in Qatar's speech delivered by Noor Ibrahim Al Sada, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education as part of the 35th session of the Human Rights Council (item 3).
The Qatari Constitution establishes education as a basic foundation for the progress of society, and the state shall seek to ensure, foster and endeavor to spread it, Al Sada said,.
This significance is also emphasized by Qatar National Vision 2030, which considers human development as its corner stone, as no development and no progress can be accomplished without advanced high quality
educational and training services that are aligned with the aspirations and abilities of each individual, she added.
Al Sada stressed the importance of formal and non-formal education as a fundamental human right that would enable all groups of society to fully enjoy their other rights, adding that while we agree with the Rapporteur that non-formal education can provide solutions to address some of the challenges faced by those who did not have the opportunity to receive formal education.
The right to education also includes a responsibility of States to provide basic education that is consistent with academic standards, quality and continuity, she went on saying.
Al Sada pointed out that the importance of non-formal education is increasing during times of conflict and crisis, stressing that this type of education could be provided to displaced persons, refugees and other affected persons of different age groups in a flexible manner that enables them to cope with different challenges, especially in the case of children who face challenges accessing education due to having lost personal identity documents and ensuring married girls have the opportunity to complete their education.
In recognition of these challenges and within the framework of the State of Qatar's efforts to promote the right to education at the international level, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation has launched the programme of 'Educate A Child' that aims to significantly reduce the number of children worldwide who are denied their right to education.