Since 2015, various education stakeholders have been working together to develop the 'Human rights guiding principles on states' obligations regarding private schools' that compile existing customary and conventional human rights law as it relates to the provision of education, including its delivery by private actors. The Guiding Principles intend to provide a universally accepted and legally binding normative framework that will help reflect on the role and limitations of private schools with a view to guaranteeing human dignity. They are intended to be operational in and adaptable to different contexts and to provide a basis for advocacy, policy development, and litigation.

The proposed framework is anchored in the understanding that private schools should:

• Not be a source of segregation, discrimination and inequalities;
• Provide an alternative to and not affect access to free, quality, publicly-supported education;
• Preserve the humanistic nature of education;
• Conform to minimum education standards established and adequately enforced by the State;
• Be regulated by norms that are developed following due process, including participation of all education stakeholders.

For more information on the Guiding Principles process coordinated by the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Right to Education Project, and the Open Society Foundation Education Support Program: 

► Guide to: Human rights guiding principles on state obligations regarding private schools

► Frequently asked questions on the Guiding Principles 

Source: Right to Education