THE COMMISSION on Human Rights on Tuesday stressed the importance of government initiatives to ensure accessible education as the country marked International Day of Education.

The CHR encouraged the government and other education stakeholders to continue working towards “improved working conditions for school faculty and staff.”

It particularly praised efforts to develop school facilities that allow students to learn in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.

Moreover, the CHR called for the protection of alternative learning spaces such as Indigenous People’s schools and volunteer-managed learning centers in poor communities.

“Education in these places plays a vital role in peacebuilding, raising social awareness and compassion for others, and breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality,” it said.

The commission said that the theme of this year’s International Day of Education — To invest in people, prioritize education —“emphasizes the importance of education in pursuing Sustainable Development Goals amidst challenges in global inflation, increasing social inequalities, and climate change.”

“Let this International Day of Education remind all that education is a fundamental human right and the gateway to promoting and protecting other rights,” said in a statement.