non-discrimination in education extends to all persons of school age residing in the territory
of a State party, including non-nationals, irrespective of their legal status.268
International human rights instruments require States to accord to stateless persons and
refugees: (1) the same treatment as is accorded to nationals with respect to elementary
education and (2) treatment as favourable as possible with respect to education other than
elementary education.269 Further, article 22 of the CRC establishes that States have an
obligation to adopt measures to ensure refugees enjoy the rights set forth in the Convention,
including the right to education. In addition, migrant workers and their families shall, in the
State of employment, enjoy equality of treatment with nationals in relation to access to
educational institutions and services and vocational guidance and training institutions and
services.270 States of employment are required to facilitate both the integration of children of
migrant workers in the local school system, particularly in respect of teaching them the local
language, and the teaching of the children of migrant workers their mother tongue and
culture.271
States are, therefore, required to provide appropriate education to non-nationals, including
internally displaced children, migrant children and child refugees.
In providing such
education, States must take into account any special needs those children have, including
trauma counselling, language training and any skill training necessary for them to play a full
and constructive role in society.
Persons living with disabilities
States are required to meet the needs of children with mental or physical disabilities in
accordance with article 23 of the CRC. This means that programmes and facilities should be
adapted to accommodate the needs of these children. Such programmes must be designed to
ensure that the child achieves the fullest possible social integration and individual
development including his or her cultural and spiritual development. In addition, States
268
CESCR General Comment No. 13: The right to education E/C.12/1999/10 8 December 1999 at para
34. In particular, children should not be deprived of education by virtue of the immigration status of
their parents.
269
Article 22 of the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and article 22 of the
Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
270
Article 36 and article 45(1)(a) and (b) of the International Convention on the Protection of the
Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The State’s obligation to respect
religious and cultural practices within education will be discussed under term of reference (viii).
271
Article 45(2) and (3) of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant
Workers and Members of their Families.
101