7th Anniversary of the Abidjan Principles! 2019-2026

Written By Ruth Thornton

13th February 2026 

Today civil society across the world celebrates the 7th Anniversary of the Abidjan Principles. The Principles are a key reference point for States, educators and education providers when discussing the human rights obligations of States to provide public education and to regulate private involvement in education. They were adopted by 57 human rights and international law experts in February 2019, following a three-year participatory consultation and drafting process. Since their adoption, the Principles have received international recognition and been used by civil society organisations across the world to advance the right to education for all. 

To celebrate the anniversary, a new video series has been launched which will explore  how the Abidjan Principles are being used across the world to advance the right to education for all. 

Horizontal poster for The Abidjan Principles in Practice video series. Text reads: The Abidjan Principles in Practice from Brazil to Kenya. In the centre there is the Abidjan Principles' logo. There are also two people in photos.

In the video Abidjan Principles in Practice - Brazil I Success advancing the right to education, Andressa Pellanda, General Coordinator at the Brazilian Campaign for the Right to Education (BCRE) explains that regulating private education has been a demand for a long time. In 2022, BCRE used the Abidjan Principles to push for stronger regulations “arguing that private sector involvement cannot be a quick fix for inequality as it can and does deepen inequalities”. This contributed to a “major victory” in 2024 when the National Conference on Education endorsed the expansion of “private and community education regulation”. Read more and watch the full video. 

In the second video Abidjan Principles in Practise - Kenya I Progress advocating for the right to education, Johnstone Shisanya, Project Manager - Education Support Project at the East African Centre for Human Rights (EACHRights) describes the Abidjan Principles as an “instrumental document” and highlights progress on the right to education. Notably, he draws attention to positive developments regarding policy strengthening and quality assurance standards. Read more and watch the full video. 

Learn more about the Abidjan Principles.

Ruth Thornton
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