HRC50 - NB8 statement - Special Rapporteur on the right to education

Human Rights Council – 50th session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to education

Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries (NB8)

23 June 2022

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report.

The need to expand connectivity and opportunities for digital learning has been growing in importance, further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digitalization should be used to promote the right to inclusive and equitable quality education for all and gender equality in and through education.  We must ensure that digital technologies do not directly or indirectly discriminate against anyone. Addressing the digital divide is essential, including its gender and disability dimensions.

Our countries want to promote a safe digital space for all. Everyone should be able to use their voices without the threat of violence, harassment, including sexual harassment, or hate. Women and girls, minorities, including sexual minorities, and persons in vulnerable situations are particularly exposed to being subjected to these online human rights violations and abuses. We need to ensure that education systems equip young persons to recognize misinformation, to counter disinformation, discrimination and bias and to promote human rights and sustainable development.

Ms. Special Rapporteur, what should be done to ensure that all women and girls enjoy full and equal access to quality digital learning opportunities?