The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights, the University of Vienna and the Austrian League for Human Rights cordially invite you to the Human Rights Talk A Right to Education? COVID-19 and the fault lines in the system on Thu, Dec 2, 2021 at 6pm online (Zoom webinar + Livestream).

According to Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all people should have the right to education. For Austria, as a member of the United Nations and a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESR), at least basic education should be compulsory and free of charge, no child should be discriminated against, and guardians should have priority in choosing educational opportunities for their children. But what is the reality? Are pandemic school closures, distance learning and a perceived lost generation compatible with a right to education that is accessible, appropriate and adaptable for all? In times of a global pandemic, has the right to education become a privilege for a few? How far should, must and may the state intervene? And what do parents owe?

As part of the Human Rights Talk, we will discuss together with high-ranking experts what civil society and politics can derive from the experiences of the last two years for the future of education and how the education system can become more equitable. The audience is cordially invited to participate in the debate.

Click here to join the online event on Facebook.
Follow the event live on our website here.

PROGRAM

Welcome
Patricia MUSSI-MAILER, Administrative Director, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights

Video greeting
Heinz FASSMANN, Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research of the Republic of Austria; Professor of Applied Geography, Spatial Research and Planning, University of Vienna

Keynote
Gerald HÜTHER, neurobiologist, board member of the Academy for Potiential Development, non-fiction author (e.g. #EducationForFuture; What are we giving our children?)

Panel discussion

• Paul KIMBERGER, Chairman of the Federal Executive Board, Union of Compulsory School Teachers
• Karin LUKAS, President; European Social Committee, Council of Europe; Program Line Manager, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Fundamental and Human Rights
• Susanna ÖLLINGER, Federal School Spokesperson, Federal Pupils’ Representation Austria
• Christoph WIEDERKEHR, Deputy Mayor and Executive City Councillor for Education, Youth, Integration and Transparency of the City of Vienna

Moderation: Claudia UNTERWEGER, Journalist and Presenter, Radio FM4, Austrian Broadcasting Corporation

Audience discussion
Questions of the participants from the Zoom webinar

We look forward to welcoming you at the Human Rights Talk!

REGISTRATION

Due to the Austria-wide lockdown, we unfortunately have to cancel the on-site event. We look forward to welcoming you online.

To receive the participation link to the Zoom webinar, please register at uhznaevtugfgnyx@yov-tze.ng no later than Sun, Nov 28, 2021.

LIVESTREAM

Participation via the live stream on Facebook or the Institute website  is possible without registration.

The program is available for download below.