Repercussions of Privatization in Education Worldwide

Privatization in education is a growing global trend, particularly in developing countries, but limited attention is paid to its impact on the right to education and the achievement of quality and accessible education for all. Ideas being promoted about choice and efficiency are creating a shift in the perception of education as a public good, available to all, to a private good that can be purchased, altering how education is valued by citizens and governments. The Open Society Education Support Program has established the Privatization in Education Research Initiative (PERI) to investigate this issue.

At a recent conversation, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education Kishore Singh discussed his recent report to the UN General Assembly, which examines the tremendous growth of private providers in education and its repercussions for the principles and norms underlying the right to education.

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