Colombia: Submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Introduction

We write in advance of the 73rd pre-session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (“the Committee”). We hope this submission will inform the Committee’s preparation of its list of issues to seek further clarity on Colombia’s compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This submission focuses on government-endorsed online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, the right to free and compulsory education, and the protection of education from attack.

Government-Endorsed Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many countries, including Colombia, to adopt online learning as a means to ensure continued education. However, there have been concerns regarding the violation of children’s rights in the process. Human Rights Watch has documented these violations in their report titled “How Dare They Peep into My Private Life?”[1]. The report highlights the privacy concerns associated with online learning platforms such as Remind, Padlet, Edmodo, and Dropbox[4]. These platforms have been found to collect and share personal data of students without their consent[5]. The right to privacy in the digital age is a crucial aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[6].

The Right to Free and Compulsory Education

The right to free and compulsory education is a fundamental right protected under international law. In Colombia, the Ministry of National Education has implemented the “Aprender Digital: Content for Everyone” strategy to provide digital educational content for all school levels and knowledge areas[2]. However, it is essential to ensure that this strategy is inclusive and accessible to all children, especially those from marginalized communities. The Ministry’s efforts should align with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all[15].

Protection of Education from Attack

Education is often targeted during armed conflicts and other forms of violence. Colombia has experienced incidents where schools have been affected by antipersonnel mines and threats to teachers[21][22]. The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) has highlighted the importance of protecting schools and ensuring safe learning environments[20]. It is crucial for Colombia to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration and take measures to prevent the military use of schools[26][27]. Protecting education from attack is closely linked to SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Colombia needs to address the violations of children’s rights in government-endorsed online learning, ensure the right to free and compulsory education for all, and take measures to protect education from attack. These efforts will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
• SDG 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 4.1: Percentage of children completing primary and secondary education.
• Indicator for SDG 4.5: Gender parity index in education.
• Indicator for SDG 16.1: Number of violent incidents in educational settings.
• Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of reported cases of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children in educational settings.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: hrw.org

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