The Right to Higher Education Through a Social Justice Lens

The Right to Higher Education Through a Social Justice Lens

UNESCO IESALC has introduced a new framework emphasizing social justice in higher education, highlighting the need for systemic changes that place students at the center of educational priorities. This framework builds upon the established right to education as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948, asserting that higher education should be viewed as a public good and made accessible to all as part of a lifelong learning journey.

Framework Overview

According to a recent conceptual paper released by UNESCO IESALC, this framework examines the right to higher education through a lens focusing on five dimensions: Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, Adaptability, and Accountability, collectively referred to as the 5As. It also emphasizes the need for inclusive excellence and considers the perspectives of equity-deserving groups along with the principle of intersectionality.

Addressing Challenges

The framework posits that the challenges associated with higher education access should be addressed within existing systems rather than placing the burden on students. It recognizes the complexities of diverse student populations, particularly those identified as equity-deserving, and advocates for solutions tailored to meet their needs.

Implementation Considerations

Implementation of this framework involves considerations that start from quality primary and secondary education and extend to equitable access within higher education. It aims to foster student success by ensuring comprehensive participation and relevant educational opportunities. Important factors discussed include institutional policies, administrative structures, funding mechanisms, and cross-border collaboration.

Critical Areas for Improvement

The paper identifies three critical areas that require attention to improve access to higher education:

1. Rethinking Merit: There is a call to improve the quality of education for all students and implement affirmative policies that benefit equity-deserving groups.
2. Funding Higher Education: It advocates for free access to higher education, particularly for equity-deserving groups, and promotes regulations on private sector engagement to uphold educational quality and prevent profit-driven motives.
3. Assuring Students’ Rights Globally: This includes minimizing administrative and financial obstacles for displaced individuals and endorsing relevant global and regional agreements, such as the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications.

Conclusion

This conceptual paper is part of a project initiated by UNESCO IESALC in 2021, furthering UNESCO’s commitment to uphold the right to education at every level.

The framework and its implications represent a growing consensus on the necessity of redefining access, quality, and equity within higher education, ensuring it serves as an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Source: UNESCO IESALC.