Inextricably Linked: An International Human Rights Perspective on Child Health and Education

Abstract:     
Millions of children around the world wish most of all for the chance at an education. Their thirst for education is so great that when barriers such as school fees have been removed in some countries, school populations surge almost overnight. Unfortunately, tens of millions of children face considerable obstacles in attempting to realize their right to education. Economic, social, and geographic barriers are, in some respects, readily identifiable. However, another obstacle to children's dreams of pursuing an education - health status - often goes unnoticed. This article focuses on the links between health and education in children's development. While connections flow in both directions, the article's primary aim is to highlight specifically the impact of health on education prospects. The dramatic consequences of health status on children's educational opportunities suggest that educators have a role to play in the health sector. The article discusses the importance of international human rights law in advancing the health and educational opportunities for children and suggests that human rights law can be an important tool for educators seeking to promote progress in health and education and further assist children in developing to their fullest potential.

Keywords: international human rights, children, health, education, economic and social rights

JEL Classifications: I10, I18, I20, I31, J13, K32, K33, O20

Accepted Paper Series