Right to Education: Putting mothers and families at the heart of the UN process

Held from 31 August to 2 September 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, the session brought together States, UN experts, children’s representatives and civil society organisations to advance discussions on the scope and key principles of a potential new international legal instrument.

At the heart of the negotiations is an important ambition: to explicitly recognise early childhood care and education as part of the right to education, while strengthening the commitment to free public pre-primary and secondary education.

Education starts long before school

Make Mothers Matter reaffirmed its strong support for the development of a fourth Optional Protocol to the CRC, while stressing that children’s right to education cannot be considered in isolation from the families and caregivers who support their development every day.

Parents are children’s first educators. From the earliest years through secondary school, they play a crucial role in supporting learning, responding to difficulties, making educational choices and creating the conditions children need to thrive.

This responsibility continues to be disproportionately carried by mothers, who perform a significant share of unpaid care and educational work worldwide.

For MMM, recognizing children as rights-holders must therefore go hand in hand with recognising and supporting parents — and particularly mothers — as essential partners in fulfilling the right to education.

Making “free education” truly free

MMM also highlighted the importance of looking beyond tuition fees.

Transport, school meals, books, uniforms, digital equipment and other education-related expenses can place a considerable burden on families. These hidden costs may prevent children from fully enjoying their right to education, particularly in low-income and single-parent households.