Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education
12 July 2006
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has been the recipient of
numerous complaints over the years of children who are discriminated against
due to the failure of their parents and care givers to pay school fees. During
the Commissions Public Hearing on the Right to Basic Education the issue of
school fees was raised again as an issue that impacts on this right. School
fees, both direct fees as well as the hidden costs (e.g. transport and school
uniforms) were identified during the Public Hearing as placing an enormous
burden on poor families.
The Department of Education has begun implementing its school fee free
policy. The Dialogue therefore comes at a time when government is moving in the
direction of alleviating the burden on the poor of school fees. The Dialogue
will provide a forum for the sharing of information and exchange of ideas on
the issue of school fees. From a human rights perspective it will consider
school fees and reflect on the current situation in South Africa.
The Dialogue will consist of two panel discussions with various relevant
experts, who will consider the human rights issue associated with school fees.
The dialogue coincides with the visit to South Africa in July of Katarina
Tomaševski.
Date: Thursday, 13 July 2006
Time: 09h30 - 13h00
Venue: SAHRC Training Centre, Human Rights House: 6th Floor, 29 Princess of
Wales Terrace, Cnr York & St Andrews, Parktown, Johannesburg
Enquiries
Lorraine Molepo:
Tel: (011) 484 8300 ext 2245
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
12 July 2006
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