UN Human Rights Council 47th Session, Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Education. Statement by Nordic – Baltic Countries delivered by Ambassasdor Kirsti Kauppi, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Finland, Geneva
25.7.2021
Madame President,
I have the honor to address on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland.
Quality education for all must respond to and reflect learners’ identities and lived realities in all their diversity such as gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, ethnic, linguistic or religious background, disability, diversity linked to socio-economic situation and migration background.
Learners should receive the necessary support in learning – especially in early childhood education and care– and have the opportunity to learn their own mother tongue, including sign languages. According to UNESCO, some 40% of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. This is a clear challenge for everyone’s right to education.
At all levels of education, curricula must be based on human rights and fact-based learning materials promoting knowledge and tolerance The promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights lay the basis for multicultural learning.
Thank you!