Refugees and the Right to Education: Reflections on International Frameworks and the Australian Context

Teachers College, Columbia University. International and Transcultural Studies, P.O. Box 211, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027. e-mail: info@cicejournal.org; Web site: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/cice

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24

Refugees; Cultural Context; Foreign Countries; International Law; Civil Rights; Access to Education; Equal Education; Educational Policy; Global Approach; Public Policy; International Relations; Government Role; Educational Quality; Educational Opportunities

1523-1615

The right to education is universally recognized as a fundamental human right, safeguarded by numerous international declarations and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Viewing refugee education through the lens of human rights is rooted in the principle that everyone, regardless of citizenship status, should have equal educational opportunities as an integral aspect of their broader human rights. However, such opportunities are variable. Using an interpretive approach to policy analysis, this paper reviews the Australian education policy space in the context of international initiatives, exploring national responses juxtaposed with key global arrangements. In shedding light on the alignment--or lack thereof--between national policies and international obligations, this paper contributes valuable insights to the broader debate on the importance of rights-based refugee education.

As Provided

2025

EJ1465268