UN expert to assess Algeria's efforts to promote and protect the right to education for all

GENEVA, Switzerland, January 22, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Kishore Singh, will be visiting Algeria from 27 January to 3 February 2015 to evaluate the Government's ongoing plans for future education reform as it seeks to provide opportunities for all sectors of society.

“I am particularly concerned to see that all children in Algeria, including girls, and the vulnerable, are able to get education of good quality, and that poverty is not restricting access,” Mr. Singh said, announcing his first official mission to the country.

“This visit will allow us to assess the efforts undertaken by Algeria to implement the right to education, the measures adopted for its successful realization, and the obstacles encountered both at the national and international level,” the Special Rapporteur noted.

The UN expert will look into national resources devoted to education including post-secondary education, and reforms in technical and vocational education. Equality of opportunities and universal access are among the issues to be assessed.

During his eight-day mission, Mr. Singh will visit primary and secondary schools and public universities, and will meet with Government and civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations. He will also hold discussions with educators, academics, students and teachers' representatives.

A press conference will be held on 3 February 2015 at 11:00 am, at UNDP, 41 rue Mohamed Khoudi, el Biar, Algiers, where the Special Rapporteur will present his preliminary observations and recommendations. Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.