A form of religious education compatible with the right to education

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), recognizing the importance of education to their goals, have made noteworthy progress on the right to education. A few such standard setting requirements are worth mentioning. A UNESCO recommendation clarifies that education of a proper standard is one that: gives a critical understanding of problems, and an ability of rational analysis; eliminates misconceptions; teaches the true interests of peoples, people's real interests, problems and aspirations; and revises its textbooks to ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date A UN convention stipulates the right of all peoples to be fully and reliably informed. Another UN declaration states that "all states shall take measures to extend the benefits of science and technology to all strata of the population". Finally, another UN declaration stipulates that education should enable everyone to enjoy the fruits of social progress and contribute to it; enlighten public opinion; and bring awareness of the changes occurring in society as a whole.