GI-ESCR marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Abidjan Principles, a pivotal document in the realm of the right to education. These principles, adopted in February 2019 after three years of meticulous consultation, serve as a cornerstone in delineating the right to education within the context of privatisation and commercialisation in education. In particular, they outline the legal obligations of States in ensuring the right to education for all individuals. 

In just five years since their inception, the Abidjan Principles have garnered recognition from over 10 human rights bodies and legal institutions. Their influence extends beyond mere acknowledgement, as they have been referenced in prominent declarations such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights' General Comment 7 (2022).  

Advocating for the Abidjan Principles remains a top priority for GI-ESCR. We urge governments and intergovernmental institutions to prioritise the development of robust and accessible public education systems grounded in human rights principles rather than funnelling resources into a private sector often driven by profit motives. 

As GI-ESCR reflects on the accomplishments of the past five years, it recognises both the victories to celebrate and the challenges that lie ahead in securing the right to free, quality, inclusive public education for all. To commemorate this occasion, Magdalena Sepulveda Carmona, GI-ESCR's Executive Director, will moderate an online gathering of diverse education stakeholders, including UN and regional mandate holders, scholars, and civil society organisations. This event aims to serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the Abidjan Principles and engage in meaningful discussions on the progress made and the path forward in realising the right to education. 

Moving forward, GI-ESCR remains committed to raising awareness of the Abidjan Principles, especially in light of the global resurgence of privatisation and commercialisation in education.  

Interested in Learning More About the Abidjan Principles? 

Full text of the Abidjan Principles (2019), here.

3 briefs on the Abidjan Principles (AP), which present, in a synthetic manner, essential information regarding the principles, which are a reference point for governments, educators and education providers when debating the respective roles and duties of states and private actors in education. 

1. Content overview of the Abidjan Principles
2. Process, nature and scope
3. Implementation avenues

Commentary on the Abidjan Principles published by the Oxford Human Rights Hub. They provide expert analysis of the Abidjan Principles, detail their legal foundation and elaborate on their reasoning and interpretation.

1. Ashina Mtsumi
   Abidjan Principles Commentary – Introduction 
2. Professor Ann Skelton and Dr Perekeme Mutu
   Abidjan Principles Commentary – Principles 1, 4-7 
3. Professor Sandra Fredman
   Abidjan Principles Commentary – Principles 22-27 
4. Dr Roman Zinigrad
   Abidjan Principles Commentary – Principles 47-48 
5. Professor Ann Skelton and Dr Perekeme Mutu
   Abidjan Principles Commentary – Principles 91-97