Since “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms” is one of the main aims of the right to education, human rights education should be considered as a means for affirming the values and vision established in international human rights documents. The obligation to ensure the realisation of the right to human rights education for all will be discussed in more depth under term of reference (x). Universality, indivisibility and interdependence The right to education embodies the principles of the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights. These principles were affirmed in the Vienna 25 Declaration, which provides that: All human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated. The international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The principle of universality means that everyone is equally entitled to the right to education irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, age, nationality, religion, socio-economic condition, health status, abilities and sexual orientation.26 Since the need for knowledge, skills and information is universal, every individual has an inherent right to access and benefit from education. Thus the right to education is a universal entitlement and is equally applicable to all. Many international human rights documents, mechanisms and experts have asserted the importance of a holistic approach to the realisation of human rights.27 Both the CESCR and the Special Rapporteur on the right to education have stated that education is a civil, cultural, economic, political and social right.28 It therefore requires integrated, rather than fragmented, 25 See Vienna Declaration, Section I, para 5. The right to equality and non-discrimination constitutes a central component of the right to education. This aspect of the right to education is discussed in more detail under term of reference (vi). 27 See, for example, Children’s Committee General Comment No. 1: The Aims of Education CRC/GC/2001/1 17 April 2001 at paras 5 – 7. 28 See CESCR General Comment No. 11: Plans of action for primary education E/C.12/1999/4 10 May 1999 at para 2 and Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education E/CN.4/2003/9 21 January 2003 at para 29. See also Annual Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education E/CN.4/2002/60 7 January 2002 at para 58 and Annual Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education E/CN.4/2001/52 11 January 2001 at para 6. 26 41