About
A collective commitment
PEHRC brings together organisations and individuals who oppose education privatisation as it runs counter to the vision of equality. The Coalition’s members believe well-funded public education systems are crucial to realise the right to free, quality, inclusive education for all.
PEHRC members at a meeting in Santiago, Chile in 2023.
A growing movement
Founded in 2015, and initially named the Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium, PEHRC was established to collectively analyse and respond to the challenges posed by the rapid growth of private actors in education from a human rights perspective and propose alternatives.
To mark its first ten years, in 2025, the network adopted its new name: the Public Education and Human Rights Coalition, emphasising members’ positive vision for a future where all learners can enjoy their right to free, quality, inclusive public education.
PEHRC members discuss activities at a meeting.
A diverse network
PEHRC members work at local, national and international levels across the globe. The Coalition includes:
Education, human rights and development organisations
National, regional and global coalitions
Non-governmental organisations
Academics and students
Grassroots organisations
Education consultants
Unions and labour movements
Social justice activists and campaigners
165+
45+
members
countries
105+
5
organisations
continents
PEHRC is a horizontal member-led network where members work through collaboration rather than full consensus, united by a common cause. Our Coalition is funded through voluntary member contributions and philanthropic donations.
Our Mission
We promote free, quality, and strong public education systems, highlighting viable alternatives to the privatisation of education.
We shine a light on how education privatisation can undermine human rights.
We share positive narratives around public services, including public education.
Our Vision
All learners can enjoy their human right to free, inclusive, quality public education, throughout life.
Our Purpose
To strengthen free, quality, equitable public education to realise its full potential.
To challenge and reverse the global trend toward privatisation in education.
To ensure that there are public services in place capable of realising economic, social and cultural rights.
Our Values
Human Rights
The defence and promotion of human rights, particularly the right to education, as defined in national and international law.
Humanistic Nature of Education
The promotion of the humanistic nature of education as a means to achieve both personal and collective realisation.
Equity
The provision of free, quality public education for all, without discrimination or segregation of any kind.
Labour Rights
The protection of labour rights, in particular teachers’ rights, as defined at the international and domestic levels.
Social Justice
The promotion of social justice and cohesion in and through education.
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