Declaration of Human Rights: education and culture for all

10 October 2024

On December 10 last year, we began a series on Human Rights. While everyone talks about them, few of us really know what they are and what they stand for.

Articles 26 and 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights extend the scope of the text to include access to education, culture and scientific progress, without any limitations other than ability, desire and merit.

Articles 26 & 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 26:

Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27:

Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

The Red Cross is naturally committed to defending Human Rights. This commitment was reinforced in 2022 with the signing of the national “Business and Human Rights” Pact. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the reference documents of the Code of Conduct and Ethics of the Luxembourg Red Cross.

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