Right to education of children in SAARC nations: implementation of Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989

Education is a fundamental right essential for the development of children and the progress of nations. The UNCRC (1989) is the first comprehensive document that acknowledges children’s rights, including education. SAARC consists of eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Association advances the welfare and standard of living of South Asian people. It is important to analyse the educational policies of SAARC nations as it will help to achieve SDG 4, which talks about inclusive and equitable quality education. This study examines the implementation of Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in SAARC nations, highlighting the challenges and recommendations provided by the CRC Committee. It analyses the constitutional, legislative, and policy measures undertaken by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to ensure the right to education. The study identifies common concerns raised by the CRC Committee, including limited access to education, poor quality of learning, high dropout rates, low budgetary allocations, gender disparities, corporal punishment, and attacks on schools. The findings reveal that while all SAARC nations have ratified the UNCRC and implemented various policies, significant gaps remain in enforcement and resource allocation. The CRC Committee’s recommendations focus on reviewing the legal framework, increasing budgetary provisions for education, taking away all forms of discrimination, ensuring safety in schools, and providing better and inclusive education to children. The recommendations of the study highlight the need for the SAARC countries to formulate a rights-based policy framework and strengthen inter-regional collaboration to meet the requirements set under Article 28 of the UNCRC.