HRC57 - Panel on Education for Peace and Tolerance for Every Child

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HRC57 - Panel on Education for Peace and Tolerance for Every Child

18.09.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

United Nations Human Rights Council

57^stsession

Panel on Education for Peace and Tolerance for Every Child

18 September 2024

EU Statement

Ms. Vice-President,

The European Union welcomes this Panel Discussion.

As we gather to discuss the promotion of education for peace and tolerance for every child, we are confronted with a growing number of attacks on schools, the military use of educational facilities, and violence targeting students and teachers across the world. These actions violate the rights of the child and have far-reaching consequences for long-term peace, security, and development.

In accordance with the "European Union's Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict", the EU strongly supports conflict prevention through many different approaches including through the promotion of quality and inclusive education, which itself is a human right. By teaching tolerance, peace and social cohesion, education may foster values of respect, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution, which can mitigate conflict and promote reconciliation. Moreover, education is a long-term investment in economic growth, stability, and the reduction of poverty; key factors in preventing conflict.

The lack of educational opportunities for children in conflict situations, especially girls, pose significant obstacles to avoiding recurrence and achieving lasting peace and protecting children. The EU therefore promotes the establishment of education in emergencies for children in conflict situations as well as age- and gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, community-based and child protection systems. .

Distinguished panelists, what can we do to further leverage education as a means of conflict prevention and reconciliation?

Thank you.