A/HRC/10/11/Add.1
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26. States should recognize that the adequate recruitment, training and incentivization of
teachers to work in areas inhabited predominantly by members of minorities are factors of
utmost importance in the delivery of adequate educational services, and should arrange teacher
training programmes accordingly.
27. State or local policies or practices that, de jure or de facto, result in separate classes or
schools for minority pupils, or schools or classes with grossly disproportionately high numbers
of minority pupils, on a discriminatory basis, are prohibited, except in limited and exceptional
circumstances. In particular, the misuse of psychological or learning ability tests for enrolment of
children in primary schools must be subjected to close scrutiny with respect to their potential to
engender discriminatory outcomes. The creation and development of classes and schools
providing education in minority languages should not be considered impermissible segregation,
if the assignment to such classes and schools is of a voluntary nature. However, where separate
educational institutions are established for minorities for linguistic, religious or cultural reasons,
no barriers should be erected to prevent members of minority groups from studying at general
educational institutions, should they or their families so wish.
28. Education should be available at all levels for minorities, from preschool to tertiary
education, as should technical and vocational education, on a basis of equality with other
learners.
IV. EQUAL ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION FOR MINORITIES
29. The principle of non-discrimination is a key to securing equal access to education, and
ensuring ongoing participation and completion of quality education for members of
disadvantaged and minority groups.
30. Members of minorities must have realistic and effective access to quality educational
services, without discrimination, within the jurisdiction of the State. Accessibility has three
overlapping dimensions: non-discrimination on prohibited grounds; physical accessibility; and
economic accessibility.
31. Barriers to accessibility may be the result of single or multiple factors, whether physical or
social, financial or pedagogical. States should address all such factors in order to promote
effective access, especially in cases where barriers to access are compounded, as in the case of
girl pupils, resulting in a vicious circle leading to severe educational exclusion. The existence of
local customs that restrict the free movement of girls and women does not relieve the State of its
responsibility to guarantee access to education for minority girls.
32. Special attention to education is called for in the context of emergencies, armed conflicts
and natural disasters when children of minorities or vulnerable populations do not have access to
social protection and essential services, including education. Measures should be taken to avoid
discrimination and favouritism during these periods and during periods of recovery and
rehabilitation.
33. Authorities should remove direct and indirect institutional barriers to education for
minorities, and address cultural, gender and linguistic barriers that may have equivalent
access-denying effects.