Education for the right to participate in political life and public affairs: Democratic citizenship

On 30 and 31 October 2025, I attended the UN Human Rights Council Social Forum in Geneva which focused on the contribution of education to the respect, promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights for all. I participated in the panel on 'Education for political rights – Participation, citizenship and voice' sharing my perspective on 'Education for the right to participate in political life and public affairs: Democratic citizenship'. Below is the transcription of my speech.

The right to participate in political life and public affairs is of fundamental importance for the development of sustainable, inclusive and peaceful societies

This right includes the right to vote, to be elected and to have access to public services. Citizens participate in the conduct of public affairs when they exercise political power, in particular the exercise of legislative, executive and administrative powers. Also, when they contribute to or influence the formulation and implementation of policies at local, regional, national or international level.

When they exercise the various dimensions of this right, individuals contribute to the organization and development of the societies they live in. They make choices that impact their life and their future, both individually and collectively.

This is why it is so critical to guarantee this right to ‘everyone’, so that the diversity of perspectives is expressed. Inclusive participation in decision-making processes is essential to eliminate marginalization and discrimination and reduce inequalities and social conflict. It allows society to confront challenges collectively, agreeing on ways forward without leaving people behind.

The extent and type of education received influence how individuals engage in political life and exercise their political rights. Extensive knowledge and multiple skills facilitate participation in political life and public affairs, enabling individuals to make their voices heard and defend their rights and interests. 

The link between the right to education and political rights is enshrined in various international legal instruments. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights states that ‘education shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society’. The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights that ‘Inclusive education is essential to the participation of persons with disabilities’. For the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, ‘Equal access to all levels and aspects of education (...) is a key precondition for accessing decision-making systems on an equal footing with men and boys’. 

Because of the interrelatedness between the right to education and the right to participate in political life and public affairs, barriers to the enjoyment of the right to education creates barriers to the enjoyment of the right to participate in political life and public affairs

Inequalities and discrimination in access to and participation in education are likely to hinder the effective exercise of political rights.

The Human Rights Committee notes that ‘illiteracy is considered as a barrier to exercise the right to vote’. The CEDAW Committee stresses that gender inequality and gender stereotypes prevalent in the education system ‘prevents women from envisioning themselves assuming a decision-making role.’ For the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ‘the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing inclusive education compromise their opportunities and undermine their capacities to be involved in public decision-making’.

While higher education can be determinant for the exercise of political rights, research shows that students do not have the same opportunities in accessing and receiving quality higher education due to their class, gender, ethnicity and/or geographic location. Some privileged groups are overrepresented in higher education systems, while underprivileged groups face numerous discriminations.

Recommendations and best practices can guide the implementation of the right to education in order to best prepare individuals to exercise their right to participate in political life and public affairs

• In addition to the skills already mentioned, the Committee on the Rights of the Child states that in order to participate effectively, children need to be trained in listening, working jointly with other children, organising meetings, fundraising, media relations, public speaking and advocacy.
• The Guidelines on the effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs recommend the development and implementation of civic education programmes, in school and beyond, with targeted capacity-building and civic education programmes provided for individuals and groups that are marginalized or discriminated against, and taking into account specific challenges, such as illiteracy and language and cultural barriers. 
• With the development of information and communication technologies to support the exercise of political rights, these Guidelines recommend the development of media education and digital literacy programmes, both in in formal and non-formal curricula.
• Children’s participation in school should be encouraged and facilitated. The Committee on the Right of the Child recommends the ‘steady participation of children in decision-making processes (…) through, inter alia, class councils, student councils and student representation on school boards and committees, where they can freely express their views on the development and implementation of school policies and codes of behaviour.’ 
• Learners should be consulted on the education system. The Committee on the Right of the Child indicates that ‘beyond the school, States parties should consult children at the local and national levels on all aspects of education policy).
• Children and young people can also participate in political life through ‘local youth parliaments, municipal children’s councils and ad hoc consultations where children can voice their views in decision-making processes. (CRC, GC 12, para. 127). It can be done through children’s involvement in the development of international law and policies as well as in monitoring and reporting processes.
• The Committee on the Rights of the Child alerts on the necessity to ensure inclusive participation to avoid existing patterns of discrimination, and encourage opportunities for marginalized children, including both girls and boys, to be involved (CRC, GC 12, para. 134. f)
• It is also essential to address persistent inequalities and discrimination in access to and participation in all levels of education. 

   Delphine Dorsi is Executive Director at the Right to Education Initiative, and an expert on the right to education.