National Constitutional provisions – Czech Republic
The constitution is the fundamental law of the country, reflecting the underlying and unifying values of society. It spells out the basic rights of each person; it serves as a framework for all other laws and policies, and cannot be easily changed. However, it can be changed and updated through a democratic process, and it is important to keep it alive, by popularising and using it, and by campaigning for its reform or amendment if necessary. Below we have picked out what we see as some of the most relevant articles, but please be encouraged to seek and read your constitution in its entirety.
The state is the central actor in any claim to the right to education: it is the prime duty-bearer and the prime implementer; it is the guarantor; and it is the state´s signature vis-à-vis the international norms and standards which binds it to respect, protect and fulfil the right to education. The state must therefore be judged or challenged on its central text on the right to education, whether this be the constitution, the laws or the policies.
The Constitution of Czech Republic Adopted 16 December 1992
EDUCATION
Art.16
(1) Everybody has the right to profess freely his religion or faith either alone or jointly with others, privately or in public, through religious service, instruction, (…).
(3) The law establishes the conditions of religious instruction at state schools.
Art.25
(3) Citizens belonging to national and ethnic minorities are also guaranteed under conditions set by law
(a) the right to education in their language.
Art.33
(1) Everybody has the right to education. School attendance is obligatory for a period specified by law.
(2) Citizens have the right to free education in elementary and secondary schools, and, depending on the citizen’s ability and the capacities of society, also at universities.
(3) To establish schools and to provide instruction can only be done under conditions set by law; education at such schools may be provided in return for tuition.
(4) The law establishes the conditions under which citizens are entitled to assistance from the State during their studies.

