In a series of recommendations published last week, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission) expressed its deep concerns about the growth and lack of regulation of private schools in Uganda, which could be in violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ rights. The African Commission expressed its worry that “that the increase in the establishment of private schools […] could result in discrimination against children from low-income households”.

Update 3: On March 2 2017 the Supreme Court of the State of Kansas handed down its decision regarding the ‘adequacy’ of education financing in Kansas. The Court found that the state education financing system does not meet the adequacy requirements of the Kansas Constitution. In reaching this decision, the Court noted that the state was failing to provide approximately one-fourth of public school students, particularly minority students, with basic skills in reading and math.

On 9th February, 2016, civil society organisations in Kenya isued a joint-statement (below) on the Committee on the Rights of the Child's Concluding Observations which expressed concern at the rapid growth of private schools providing low-quality education, including those funded through foreign development aid.

On 4th February, 2016, Italy became the 26th State party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a Communications Procedure (the Protocol, OP3 CRC). The Protocol will enter into force on 4th May, 2016.

Italy joins Peru, France, and Luxembourg in ratifying the Protocol this year.

On November 27, 2015 the Tanzanian government issued Circular 5 which implements the Education and Training Policy 2014 and directs public bodies to ensure that secondary education is free for all children. This includes the removal of all forms of fees and contributions. The Circular reads: