Introduction The right to education is a fundamental human right. Every individual, without discrimination, is entitled to basic education. The ACJ notes that during the last decade the progressive development of a framework for the realisation of the right to education has advanced. In particular, the ACJ commends the preamble of the Asia and Pacific Regional Framework for Action: Education for All,5 adopted by the AsiaPacific Conference on EFA 2000 Assessment in Bangkok in January 2000: Education is a fundamental human right of all people – of value in and of itself, for improving the quality of life, and as an essential part of social and human development. The provision of basic education, whether it be formally or nonformally delivered, is a core responsibility of the state with active and genuine collaboration of parents, communities, and civil society. All people, especially those most disadvantaged and excluded, must be guaranteed access to a basic education of decent quality. At the same time, however, in 2006 at least 23 countries in the world risk failing to achieve a minimum of universal primary education by 2015.6 It is timely, therefore, for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to analyse the ways the right to education has been elaborated on and to consider their potential role in the realisation of this right. The ACJ also notes that the right to education is inextricably linked to the full and effective realisation of other human rights and is central to the socio-economic development of States. The ACJ welcomes and encourages the important work of the APF’s member institutions in the protection and promotion of the right to education. In Part A of the final report, the ACJ provides a series of conclusions and recommendations for NHRIs in relation to the right to education, a summary of answers to the questions posed by the terms of reference and specific recommendations for APF member countries. Part B of the final report provides 5 See Appendix 3 for more information. 10