they also have an obligation to take concrete steps towards achieving free secondary and higher education. Technical and Vocational Education According to article 1(a) of the UNESCO Convention on Technical and Vocational Education (1989), “technical and vocational education” consists of: …all forms and levels of the educational process involving, in addition to general knowledge, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, know-how, attitudes and understanding relating to occupations in the various sectors of economic and social life. On the basis of this definition, the CESCR has stated that the right to technical and vocational education includes the following aspects:224 (a) It enables students to acquire knowledge and skills which contribute to their personal development, self-reliance and employability and enhances the productivity of their families and communities, including the State party's economic and social development; (b) It takes account of the educational, cultural and social background of the population concerned; the skills, knowledge and levels of qualification needed in the various sectors of the economy; and occupational health, safety and welfare; (c) Provides retraining for adults whose current knowledge and skills have become obsolete owing to technological, economic, employment, social or other changes; (d) It consists of programmes which give students, especially those from developing countries, the opportunity to receive TVE in other States, with a view to the appropriate transfer and adaptation of technology; (e) It consists, in the context of the Covenant's non-discrimination and equality provisions, of programmes which promote the TVE of women, girls, out-of-school youth, unemployed youth, the children of migrant workers, refugees, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. The CESCR has noted that under the ICESCR technical and vocational education forms part of both the right to education (article 13(2)(b)) and the right to work (article 6(2)).225 Article 6(2) does not refer to technical and vocational education in relation to a specific level of education; it comprehends that technical and vocational education has a wider role, helping “to achieve steady economic, social and cultural development and full and productive 224 CESCR General Comment No. 13: The right to education E/C.12/1999/10 8 December 1999 at para 16. 225 CESCR General Comment No. 13: The right to education E/C.12/1999/10 8 December 1999 at para 15. 89