Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Education 

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America 

As Delivered by Darlene Quinteros

Human Rights Council – 50th Session  

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report on digitalization of education and her work to ensure that every child receives an education.  The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on inequities in education. The United States is working to close the digital divide in part by working to ensure all families have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet services and devices to support learning, along with digital literacy skills.

We agree with the report’s conclusions that plans for digital education should integrate the human rights legal framework, promote equality and non-discrimination, protect privacy, and protect students from cybercrimes.

It is important that digital education works to reduce education inequalities, supports educators providing these learning opportunities, and endeavors to protect against online harassment and abuse. This is a priority for the United States.

Education is a human right, and, unfortunately, we have seen respect for that right degraded for girls in Afghanistan. We continue to urge the Taliban to allow women and girls back in school, at all levels, to receive a full education.

Question: What can we do to ensure that any online education programs respect human rights?

I thank you.

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