ANNUAL REPORT 2020 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE ## **EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:** ## **2020 CONTEXT - COVID-19 AND ITS IMPACT ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION** In early 2020, all aspects of life were turned on their head as the Covid-19 pandemic swept through the world. Like many other organisations, we saw rapid changes to the way in which we work - with travel, conferences, office working and face to face meetings all hastily abandoned in favour of stay-at-home digital communications. Whilst this affected our usual activities, the advent of online tools meant that in some ways we were more interconnected than ever, and global events from individual living rooms became the norm. Yet the aftershocks of the pandemic extend far beyond changes to working practices. Covid-19 has had a seismic impact on education systems globally. Schools for more than 168 million children have been permanently closed since March 2020 - and globally, an estimated 112 billion days of education have been lost. The impact of school closures has been felt disproportionately by the most disadvantaged communities, with some of the world’s poorest children entirely cut off from their education. Despite the herculean efforts of teachers, parents and caregivers, existing inequalities have been exacerbated beyond measure by the pandemic, and the fragility of entire educational systems has been revealed. And as pharmaceutical advances signal a tentative end to the worst ravages of Covid 19 globally, the impact on education systems and on the right to education for millions of children globally has yet to be fully established. As 2020 drew to a close at the Right to Education Initiative, it was clear to us that while the pandemic has thrown global inequalities into sharper focus, it has also reinforced the importance of the right to education and the need to address the injustices which the pandemic has intensified. We met the close of the year with renewed determination to make the right to education a reality for all, while reflecting on the achievements that were possible even in the face of such unprecedented adversity. Before detailing the milestones of 2020, we wish to thank our donors, supporters and partners for their continued support of the right to education globally. It is through your contributions that the right to education in all of its dimensions can be made a reality. ## **DELPHINE DORSI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR** CHARITY NUMBER: 1173115 ## **WHO WE ARE** The Right to Education Initiative (RTE) is an international human rights organisation focusing on the right to education. We promote education as a human right, striving for a world where everyone, without discrimination of any kind, can fully enjoy the right to education in all its dimensions. ## **WHAT WE STAND FOR** We stand for the full recognition of education as a human right, essential for the wellbeing and development of every individual, regardless of their status and circumstance over their life course. This commitment is underpinned by the principles of universality, indivisibility and interdependence. We recognise that education is key for the realisation of other rights and for building societies where respect for human rights, tolerance, inclusivity and diversity are valued. ## **WHAT WE DO** We advocate for states to both legally commit to and implement the right to education - to make it a reality for all. In so doing we also seek to ensure that governments are held accountable for meeting their human rights obligations. RTE builds bridges between diverse fields (human rights, education and development), stakeholders, (including civil society organisations, international organisations, academics, and states) and diverse language communities (including English, French, Spanish and Arabic). We link global, national and local research and evidence based policy dialogue to campaigning and advocacy with the aim of accelerating progress towards the realization of the right to education for all through positive and concrete changes on the ground. ## **WHY WE EXIST** - To protect and promote the right to education globally Because there is continued lack of enjoyment of and violation of the right to education To keep education as a human right in the foreground and to reframe education issues as human rights issues - To make human rights language accessible to right-to-education advocates and to provide tools and materials to accelerate the implementation of this right Because there is a need for rigorous evidence-based analysis of current education issues using human rights theory and practice to support advocacy and accountability ## **2020: WHERE WE WORKED** **FRANCE: SCIENCES PO LAW SCHOOL CLINIC AND RTE PRESENTED POLICY BRIEF ON HIGHER EDUCATION INEQUALITIES** **SUPPORTED MANDATE OF UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR UKRAINE: LAUNCHED INNOVATIVE, JOURNALIST LED PROJECT DOCUMENTING THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION IN CONFLICT - STRICKEN EASTERN UKRAINE CHILE: ‘ LET ’ S BUILD ANOTHER ’ KENYA: LAUNCHED EDUCATION GROUNDBREAKING CAMPAIGN FOR MULTIMEDIA THE RIGHT TO RESEARCH INTO EDUCATION EARLY AND LAUNCHED COLLABORATED IN IVORY COAST: UNINTENDED AFRICAN CELEBRATED PREGNANCY ON THE COMMISSION ON ABIDJAN RIGHT TO HUMAN AND PRINCIPLES 1ST PEOPLES ' RIGHTS ANNIVERSARY EDUCATION EXPERT MEETINGS** ## **ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS** Our achievements in 2020 would not have been possible without the support of our donors and partners. With your continued support, we can achieve a world in which the right to education becomes a reality from early childhood to adulthood and throughout life, and where all human rights in and through education are realised. ## **LOOKING FORWARD** ## **Our strategic areas of focus** - - Over the course of 2020, we developed our 2020 22 strategic plan consolidating our vision, mission and the changes we want to see occur in the coming years. It defines four key areas of focus for the two-year period, but phases activity to place an emphasis on the following three areas for 2020: Focus one: Privatisation of education and the role of private actors - driving state accountability for inclusive, free, quality public education Focus two: Early Childhood Care and Education - mobilising for the right to free, compulsory pre-primary education for all Focus three: The right to education of migrants - advocating for the right to education of all individuals, irrespective of nationality or legal status The promotion and implementation of the Abidjan Principles, a reference text on the right to education adopted in 2019 by a group of international experts following a three-year participatory consultation period, continues to be a primary feature of our work. RTE sits on the Secretariat of the Abidjan Principles, and is instrumental in disseminating information, providing guidance and assisting civil society and national and international entities in their implementation. In 2020, we celebrated the first anniversary of the Principles; began editing a book interrogating the most important topics and contentious debates from the adoption processes in both the legal and education spheres; commenced an innovative collaboration with UNESCO-IIEP and the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to develop a methodological framework to review national education strategic plans and ensure they reflect States’ international commitments for the implementation of the right to education; organised and participated in numerous conferences, webinars, trainings and events; and drafted books, articles, joint submissions and papers in collaboration with a range of partners. Major advances were seen in the recognition of the Abidjan Principles by regional and international human rights organisations, as well as strides forward in their practical use in advocacy and rights protection efforts. The success of the Abidjan Principles in 2020 is both testament to the strength of this reference document and the carefully conducted, inclusive and participatory process that led to its adoption, and the concerted and ongoing outreach and advocacy conducted by the secretariat, drafting committee and advisors. **THE ABIDJAN PRINCIPLES IN NUMBERS: 2020** ## **OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT** ## **IMPACT** RTE HELD AND PARTICIPATED IN **12** DIVERSE EVENTS TO PROMOTE AND EXPLAIN THE ABIDJAN PRINCIPLES CO-EDITED **ONE** BOOK CO DRAFTED **TWO** PAPERS OVERALL, THE ABIDJAN PRINCIPLES HAVE SECURED RECOGNITION BY **10** REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS BODIES AND ORGANISATIONS TOOK PART IN **TWO** JOINT SUBMISSIONS TO UN TREATY BODIES ABIDJAN PRINCIPLES APPEARED IN **SEVEN** MEDIA OUTLETS THE ABIDJAN PRINCIPLES HAVE BEEN USED IN NATIONAL CONTEXTS TO PROMOTE RIGHTS In line with our overarching strategy, we commenced an ambitious programme of work on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in 2020. We began working on the Global Partnership Strategy for Early Childhood Care and Education, and in July took part in a UNESCO webinar on ECCE in the context of Covid-19. In addition, we participated in technical sessions, collaborated on the drafting of the strategy and are currently working closely with the UNESCO Right to Education Programme on its normative dimensions. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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We also made ECCE a greater focus on our own channels, and in November on 2020 published a new issue page ECCE from a human rights perspective in both French and English. Finally, in December in 2020 we successfully recruited an experienced ECCE Programme Manager to expand our strategic goals, reach and impact in this area. **JEREMY BISHOP** , **UNSPLASH** Our continued work on the right to education of migrants in 2020 culminated in the publication of a revised website page on migrants and refugees in both French and English. This updated content features a range of graphics and visuals in addition to new materials and information. **© SOLIDARITÉ LAÏQUE** We also expanded our research, materials and future framework for work on the right to education of unaccompanied migrants aged over 16, with a literature review, global overview and collaboration with French organisation Solidarité Laïque on advocacy for unaccompanied minors and their access to education. Additionally, we published addition to two blogs on unaccompanied minors and the right to education in France, and administrative barriers to educational completion for migrants. Vital to the protection of rights is monitoring work. We work in partnership across a range of issue areas to monitor the implementation of the right to education, collaborating with diverse actors to ensure accountability and the realisation of fundamental rights. ## **UNINTENDED EXCLUSION: MONITORING THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION OF PREGNANT GIRLS IN KENYA** In Kenya, thousands of girls are forced out of school after experiencing sexual violence leading to early and unintended pregnancy. The impact of pregnancy on the right to education in Kenya has been a focus for RTE since 2019, when we partnered with Kenyan human rights organisation Hakijamii. In March 2020, we published the multimedia essay ‘ I ’ really want to go to school , which presents our findings and interviews in textual and visual form, using the right to education monitoring guide as a basis. It identifies systemic failings in the Kenyan education system, uncovers the barriers to returning to school —including stigmatisation, school fees, and lack of childcare—and recommends actions to ensure girls’ human rights are respected. **ALL IMAGES © ERICA MURPHY/RTE** ## **MONITORING TERRITORIAL INEQUALITIES IN FRENCH HIGHER EDUCATION** Place of origin has a significant impact on the right to education in France, and has been the focus of a collaborative investigation and advocacy project with Sciences Po Law School Human Rights Clinic since 2019. In 2020, we supported students to draft a policy brief on place of origin, access and participation in university education, based on research conducted in the first stage of the project and using our right to education monitoring guide as a framework. In March, the students presented the brief to a colloquium on Equal Opportunities or Equal Achievement in Higher Education in Montpellier, France. We facilitated the distribution and advocacy outreach surrounding the updated version of the report and its accompanying policy brief, in addition to supporting the development of articles on territorial inequalities and higher education. ## **WORKING WITH ESCR-NET TO MONITOR THE USE OF DATA** RTE is a steering committee member of the ESCR-Net monitoring working group. ESCR-Net is an international network connecting over 280 NGOs, social movements and advocates across more than 75 countries to build a global movement to make human rights and social justice a reality for all. Our primary activity with ESCR-net has been to co-direct the development of a collective position on human rights data, intended to challenge existing narratives and state practice regarding official data - which often falls short when it comes to the realisation of economic and social rights. In 2020, we consolidated the final draft of the collective position on data principles and presented it in a workshop at RightsCon. In addition, the collective position was used as the basis for an amicus curiae submitted to the Supreme Court of Mexico o n the lack of data collection in informal settlements, which helped secure a unanimous ruling from the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in Mexico that the statistics bureau, INEGI, include informal settlements in the official census. Finally, RTE contributed to ESCR-Net’s guide on parallel reporting to advance women ’ s economic and social rights, which itself was based on the Right to education handbook published in January 2019. ## **EDUCATION UNDER ATTACK: MONITORING THE IMPACT OF CONFLICT ON EDUCATION IN UKRAINE** Children in eastern Ukraine are missing out on their education. For more than six years conflict has raged in the region; at the time of writing 13,000 are dead and a staggering 670,000 children don’t have access to safe education. To shine a light on this persistent and protracted humanitarian and human rights crisis, in 2018 RTE began a pilot project in collaboration with journalists and Ukrainian partners to monitor the impact of the armed conflict on education. In July 2020, we created the multimedia essay and accompanying legal factsheet ‘ Caught in the crossfire: The right to education in eastern Ukraine ’ - combining the journalists’ evidence with a human rights analysis. **© DIEGO IBARRA SANCHEZ / RTE** This essay attracted attention on multiple platforms, and led to an Open Society Foundations Instagram takeover invitation for multimedia essay photographer and RTE collaborator Diego Ibarra Sanchez, serving to showcase the photographs and highlight our approach to using audiovisual information in human rights monitoring projects. In addition, the findings of the project were used by Save the Children Ukraine in a joint submission to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and have strengthened our own ongoing advocacy - prompting us to extend our work in this area. We are currently working on a thematic monitoring guide and series of materials for journalists for publication in 2021. **© DIEGO IBARRA SÁNCHEZ / RTE** Core to our mission is the provision of authoritative, accessible and independent sources of information on the right to education. Our website is our backbone; published in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, it provides an online library of resources, materials and tools to empower frontline actors, civil society, social movements and states to apply the right to education in multiple contexts. In addition, our social networks, e-bulletin, research, webinars, and participation in events are crucial channels via which we raise awareness of the various dimensions of the right to education, stimulate debates, and highlight emerging and neglected issues. ## **WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA AND NETWORKS** In 2020 we invested in translations of website content to strengthen our commitment to build bridges between different language communities. Our social channels continued to grow in followers and see an increase in engagement, and our mailing lists expanded. **5656** Followers **34** news items in English **7** blogs in English **286,162** web users **2.5%** increase on **14** in French **3** in French **482,826** page views 2019 **8** in Spanish **1** in Spanish **11** e-bulletins sent to **537** followers **558** new followers **35% increase in 695** subscribers, a **176** new followers **14%** increase on 2019 Spanish speaking **3%** increase on 2019 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **PUBLICATIONS AND EVENTS** - Co-hosted and participated in **17** events, workshops, conferences and webinars Wrote and contributed to **five** articles and papers Co-edited **one** book Presented in **French** , **English** and **Portuguese** We constantly engage and work in partnership with a diverse range of actors - including academics, researchers, NGOs, the UN community, African Commission and others - to build bridges and collaborate on common goals. ## **Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium** RTE is an active member of the Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium (PEHRC). The Consortium is an informal network of national, regional and global organisations and individuals who collaborate to analyse and respond to the challenges posed by the rapid growth of private actors in education from a human rights perspective and propose alternatives. RTE is part of the facilitation group that supervises the coordinator and takes care of the administrative dimension of the Consortium. We also lead the working group on the Abidjan Principles, in addition to consulting on and reviewing reports. In 2020, we played an active role in the expansion of the network. ## **Francophone network against the commercialisation of education** Throughout 2020, RTE played an active role in the Francophone Network against the commercialisation of education. This informal network, which encompasses 303 member organisations from 37 countries, aims to ensure a collective mobilisation of the education actors in order to coordinate our responses to the commercialisation of education phenomena in Francophone countries and to propose alternative solutions. In 2020, we participated in regular network meetings, in addition to conducting ongoing advocacy and research activities in conjunction with the Francophone Network Coordinator, whose position we contributed to the financing of and whose work we supervise. In addition, RTE played a crucial role in supporting the development of a Network of Francophone researchers working on the issue of privatisation in education. Led by University of Geneva researcher Thibaut Lauwerier, the Francophone Network comprises 29 researchers from 13 countries. **Network highlights** **3** online meetings with the Network’s members **6** newsletters produced **60** articles and reports shared on the Network ’ s website **2** articles published ## **International Network of Education in Emergencies (INEE)** RTE is a member of the INEE Advocacy working group. Throughout 2020, we worked in conjunction with partners on the launch of an advocacy brief on non-state actors’ involvement in education in emergencies, with reference to the Abidjan Principles. This brief will launch in early 2021. ## **OUR SUPPORTERS** Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our donors, who enable the right to education to become a reality. **WITH THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR IN KIND SUPPORT** ## **OUR TEAM** ## **Executive board** The executive board is RTE's governing body. It is presently composed of eight trustees representing a diverse range of actors from the human rights, development and education fields: - David Archer, Head of Civic Participation, Tax Justice and Public Services at ActionAid - Iain Byrne, Researcher/Advisor - Economic and Social Justice Team, Global Issues Programme Special Advisor, and Strategic Litigation at Amnesty International - Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity International Ayan Hassan, Programme Finance Manager at War Child UK - Elin Martinez, Senior Researcher in the Children's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch - Anjela Taneja, Lead Campaigner Inequality / Lead Specialist Essential Services at Oxfam India ## **Trustees appointed in 2020** - Nikki Skipper, Head of Fundraising at The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust - Dina Hashem, Associate Director for Global Bharti Patel, International Child Rights Advocate ## **Staff** Delphine Dorsi - Director Natalia Dzvelaia - Finance and administrative officer Erica Murphy - Project Officer ## **New additions to the team at the close of 2020** - Eleanor Rosenbach - Communications Manager Rajakumari Michaelsamy - Programme Manager, ECCE - Hoda Awwad - Programme Officer, Private Actors in Education **With special thanks to the consultants and contributors who have supported our work** - Juliana Lima Susie Talbot Clara Beauvoir Laure Fletcher Kanto Calange CHARITY NUMBER: 1173115 # For more information about our work, see our website **www.right-to-education.org** Follow us on: RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATWE Reglstered Charty hlo. 1173115 REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 MYRUS SMITH Chartered unlants Norman House 8 Burnell Road Sutton Surrey SM14BW RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIA TIVE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 CONTENTS Page Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Annual Report Report of the Independent Examiner 10 Statement of Financial Activities 11 Balance Sheet 12 Notes lo the Financial Statements 13-17 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE Registered Charity No: 1173115 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Boord of Tru$t¢es: D. Archer (Chair) A. Hassan IT￿asUrer} E. Martinez l. Byrne A. Taneja D. Hashem lappoinled 3 September 20201 N. Skipper lappoinled 3 September 20201 8. Patel (appointed 3 September 2020) Princlpal Office: 33-39 Bowlin9 Green Lane London EC1R OBJ Bankers: CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill Wesl Malling Kent ME194JQ Independent Examiner.. K.C. Fisher BA FCA CTA % Myrus Smith Chartered Accountan15 Nomian House 8 Burnell Road Sutton Surrey SM14BW RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Inc Public Benefit diselosurel Who w¢ are The Right to Education InIt￿atiVe IRTEI is an intemalional human rights organisation focusing on the right to education. We promote education as a human right, striving for a world where everyone. withoul discrimination of any kind, can ftjlly enjoy the right to eduGation in all its dimensions. What we stand for The objective of RTE is to promte any charitable purposes to recognition of education as a hum8n right, essential for the wellbeing and development of every individual, regardless of their status and circumstance over their life course. This commitment is underpinned by the principles of Lsniversality, indivisibility and interdependence. We recognise that eduealion is key for the realisation of other rights and for building societies where respeot for human rights, tolerance, inclusivity 8nd diversity are valued. What we do We advocate for states to both legally commit to and implement the right to edU￿t￿n - to make it a reality for all. In so doing we also seek to ensure that governments are held accountable ft)r meeting their human rights obligations. RTE builds bridges be￿een diverse fields Ihuman rights. education and development), stakeholders, {inclLfding civil society organisations, intemational organisations, academics, and st8tesl and diverse language communit￿S (including English, French, Spanish and Arabic). We link global, national and local research and evidence-based policy dialogue to campaigning and advocacy with the aim of accelerating progress towards the realizalion of Ihe right to education for all through positive and Cont￿te changes on the ground. As set in our constitution, our object is lo promote the right to education, as defined by international human rights law, by.. Sharing infomation, tools and resources on the rioht to education., Researching Into right lo education issues., Monitor abuses of the right to education., Raise awareness on right to education issues", Providing technical advice to partner civil society organisalions on right to education issues", International advocacy of the right to education,. and Promoting respect for the right to education among individuals and corporation The trustees confirm that they have had regard lo the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission in considering the activities of. and future plans for, th& charity. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Over the course of 2020, wip dpvernp_cd a straleric lan which consolidates our vision, mission and the changes we w8nt to see in the coming years. It defines four key areas of focus for the two-year period, but phases activity to place an emphasis on the following three areas of focu5 for 2D20'. role of Prissatisation of Èilucation and thLa)riiale actors - driving stale accountability for inclusive free, quality public education using the Abidjan Principles Te ar;d F.ducal,.on. mobilising for the right lo free, compuLg0ry pre-primary education for all Flt èo eil., Ication of m.,. r3nls advottating for the right lo education of all individuals, irrespective of nationality tsr legal status Additionally, our work is supported by ¢ross Cutting activities on monitoring and accountability. RIGFff TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Irat¥.Vlf'. ftic.iis onA: Dri¥iflfl Ntattr uc r ount?bilily for in¥lu¥ive frrio, qi531iti pi,. 1541ng} tlic Al?iflj411 Princ',1ts5Q The promotion and implementation of the Abidjan PrFnciples, a reference text on the right to education adopted in 2019 by 8 group of intemab'onal experts following a three-year participatory consultation period, continues to be a primary feature of our work. RTE sits on the Secretarial of the Abidjan Principles, and is instrumental in disseminating information, providirsg guidance and assisting civil society alongside national and inlemational entities in their implementation. In 2020, we celebrated the first anniversary of the Principles.. began editing a book interrogating the most important topics and contentious debates from the adoplion processes in both the legal and education spheres., commenced an innovative collaboration with UNESCO-IIEP and the Global Initiative for Economie. Social and Cultural Rights lo develop a methodological framework to review national education strategic plans and ensure they reflect Stales, internab'onal commitments for the implementation of the right to educatKJn'. organised and participated in numerous conferences, webinars, trainings and events," and drafted books, arb"cles, joint submissions and papers in ¢ollaboralion with a range of partners. Major advances were seen in the recognition of the Abidjan Principles by region81 and international human rights organisations, as well as strides forward in their practical use in advocacy and rights protection efforts. The success of the Abidjan Principles in 2020 is both testament to the strength of this reference document an(t the carefully conducted, inclusive and participatory process that led lo its adoption, and the concerted and ongoing outreach and advocacy conducted by the Secretarial, rafting committee ancl advisors. 'flie Abidi&ll? Priiii.'iplpri fn liv￿1#)?.ri.- 2Q20 Outreach and engagement RTE held and participated in 12 d￿lerse events to promote and explain the Abidjan Principles Co-ediled one book Co drafted I￿0 papers Took part In two joint submissions lo UN treaty l)odies Abidjan Principles appeared in seven media outlets Impact Overall, the Abidjan Principles have secured recognition by 10 regional and intemational human rights bodies and organisations The Abidjan Principles have bLitsn used in nf?l."Iinal ￿onI￿,.xt5 Ltsifomoit., i1￿h*- %trAtegic for.i.1s °'wo.' Mol?ili- ,.vill￿ lor Ilie light lo freè. pre..priniary edb'oxtii)n fcjr dll In line with our overarching strategy, we commenced an ambitious programme of work on Early Childhood Care and Education IECCEI in 2020. We began working on the n=ioL81 [}￿rtnE.,." CnildlTro,•d, and in July look part in a UINF.sro ivebinar on ECCE in the context of Covid-19. In addition, we participated in technical sessions. collaborated on the drafting of the strategy and are currently working closely with the UNESCO Right to Educalion Programme on its normative dimensions. We also made ECCE a greater fwus on our own channels, and November 2020 published a r..:.:: ,.s!Ip¥ or Fq':i.Jl lij=-: J<>n￿L&￿t In Iqiilipr F.ducolion in Montpellier, France. We facilitsted the distribution and advocacy outreach surrounding the ulldal•d version of the report and its accompanying LolicLkri*:' in addition to supporting the development of article5 on territorial inc%iualilios 8nd h￿h￿r erl.Ir2ti()n. Education under attack: monitoring the Impact of conflict on education in Ukraine Children in eastern Ukraine are missing out on their edu¢ation. For six years conflict has raged in the region.. 13,000 are dead and a staggering 670,000 children don't have access to safe education as a re5uIt. To shine a light on this persistent and protracted humanitarian and human rights crisis, In 2018 R TE began a pilot project in collaboration with Ukrainian partners to monitor the impact of the artned conflict on education. RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIA TIVE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 In July 2020. we C￿ated the muttimedia essay and accompanying lÉ,oal liar*shtsr,I'CrXsJ in ltr.;. fir:: Thp. ri .￿111 to c,:dJcalion in ea£tem UNfaiDè' _ combining the journalists, evidence and with a human rights analysis. This essay attracted attention on multiple platforms, and led to an Open Society Foundations Instagram takeover invitation for multimedia essay photographer and RTE collaborator Diego Ibarra Sanchez. serving to showcase the photographs and highlight our approach to Using audiovisual infomlation in human rwJhts moniloring projects. In addition, the findings of the project were L5sed by Save the Children Ukraine in a joint subMiss￿n to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and have strengthened our own ongoing advocacy - prompting us to extend our work in this arèa. We are currently working on a themati¢ monitoring guide and series of materials for joumalists for publication in 2021. Worklng with ESCR-Net to monitor the use of data RTE is a steering committee member of the ESCR-Net monitoring working group. ESCR-Net is an intemational network connecting over 280 NG05, socral movements and advocates across more than 75 countr¢es to build a global movement lo make human rights and social Justi￿ a reality for all. Our primary activity with ESCR-net has been to co4ire¢t the development of a onllLcliveor!sitl?-., i)n n'iir.3n ri hts d¢?t¢J. intended to challenge existing narratives and state practice regarding offick81 data - which often falls short when it comes lo the realisalion of economic and social rights. In 2020, we consolidated the final draft of the collentiv 0￿111Dn on d=-.la .￿1￿£ and presented it In 2 workshop at Rightscon. In addition, the collective position was used as the basis for an 4rilFr, c,'JrigQ bmitrt:-:d to th- ,%ii reme Court of P4lpxi=o on the lack of data collection in informal settlements, which helped secur& a unanimous ruling from the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in Mexico that the statistics bureau, INEGI, include informal selllements in the official census. Finally, RTE contributed to ESCR-Net's guKle on ￿ar.j1[el r Debtors and credito Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and which 8re receivable or payable within one year are recorded * transaction prre. Any losses artsing from impaimient are recognised in expenditure el Funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been desi9nated for other purpDses. Designated funds comprise unreslricled funds that have been set aside by the Iruslees for particular purpose. Restricted fund5 are fvnds which are to be used in accordants with specific reslricb'ons imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charty for parh'cular purposes. 13 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Icont 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIESlcontd... Penslons The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme open to employees with an Employer's Contribution fixed al 5.5% of gross salary. Employees can Volunta￿lY contribute to the scheme al a level decided by them. Employees wishing to opt-out may do so. The board of trustees has agreed lo allow 51aff members lo opeole an alternative pension scheme to be agreed with the management at a Council meeting. Contributions payable to the scheme are Charged as an expense the period to which they Felate. g) Operating Leases Operaling lease payments are charged lo the Statement of Financial Aclivities on a straight line ba51s over the period of the lease. h) Foreign Currencies Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded al the rate of exchange ruling at Ihe date of the transaction. In the case of multi-year grants received in instalmenls, exchange gains and losses are calculated by reference to the exchange rale prevailing at the time the grant was awarded. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rale ruling al the balance sheet date. All exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activits'es. 2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Total 2020 Grants and Contracts UNESCO Results CRIN (transfer of Wellspring grants) Open Society Foundations 1,583 3,837 168, 161 31,406 1,583 3,837 168,161 31,406 £204,987 £204,987 In May 2017, Child Right Intemational Ne￿Ork ICRINI and Right to Education Initiative IRTEI signed an MOU (extended in July 20201 where CRIN agreed to support RTE through three incubation phases of fiscal sponsorship. then fiscal agency, and then full Independen￿ (the "incubation period"). This incubation period came to its conclusion on 1st of July of 2021. However, following agfeement be￿een CRIN, RTE and RTE'S current donors, RTE became adrninislratively, financially and fiscally independer¢l from CRIN on 31st of July of 2020 and CRIN released accumulated funds in full to RTE, which had been kept on a separate CRINIRTE account. 14 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INrriATIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Icont 3. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Total 2020 DI￿¢t Costs Salaries, fees and related costs Re¢ruitmenl costs Foreign exchange losses Payroll costs Travel and subsistence 59,803 1,174 428 305 11,1171 59,803 1,174 428 305 (1,1171 £60,593 £60,593 Support Costs P￿rnIses costs Offr¢e and administration Costs Website, computer and IT costs Governance (see note 41 Insurance Subscriptions 2,574 166 257 1,500 210 123 2,574 166 257 1,500 210 123 4.830 4,830 £65,423 £65,423 All expenditure relates to the unrestricted funds. 4. GOVERNANCE COSTS 2020 Independent examination £1,500 S. STAFF COSTS 2020 Wages and salaries Redundancy Social security Pension costs (defined contributs'on schemes) 37,873 5,808 1,919 £45,600 The average number of employees in the year was 3. The average number based on full time equivalents was 2. No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pen510n costs) in excess of £60,000. The Trustees were not remunerated during the year. No trustees were reimbursed any expenses during the year. Thè total amount of employee benefi'ts re￿Wed by key management personnel was £20,882. Under FRS102, employee benefits in¢lude gr05s salaries, empk)yer's National Insurance contrib￿tionS and employerfs pension contributions. 15 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Icont 6. NET INCOME 2020 Net income is stated after chargingllcreditingl.. Independent examination Operab'ng lease rentals £1,500 £2.574 7. DEBTORS 2020 P￿paYMentS Other debtors A¢¢rued inGome 71 825 793 £1,689 8. CREDITORS: Arnounts falllng due wlthin one year 2020 AccruaL8 Deferred income Other creditors 7,445 97,280 97 £104,822 Balance at 1 January 2020 Balance at 31 December 2020 Addrtions in the year Analysis of deforred incomo Open Society Institute CRIN (transfer of Wellspring grant} 48,787 48,493 48,787 48,493 £Nil £97.280 £97,280 Deferred income relates to grant income received in advance of the next financial year. 9. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 244,386 1104,8221 244.386 {104.8221 As at 31 December2020 £139,564 £139,564 16 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATWE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 lcont 10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS There were no related party transactions in 2020. 11. TAXATION Thè charity 15 exempt from taxation on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to its ¢haritable objects 12. LIABILITY OF MEMBERS The charity is conslitute(J as a charitable incorporated organisation. In the event of the charity being wound up, members have no liability to contribute lo its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities. 17 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATWE Reglstered Charty hlo. 1173115 REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 MYRUS SMITH Chartered unlants Norman House 8 Burnell Road Sutton Surrey SM14BW RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIA TIVE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 CONTENTS Page Reference and Administrative Details Trustees, Annual Report Report of the Independent Examiner 10 Statement of Financial Activities 11 Balance Sheet 12 Notes lo the Financial Statements 13-17 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE Registered Charity No: 1173115 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Boord of Tru$t¢es: D. Archer (Chair) A. Hassan IT￿asUrer} E. Martinez l. Byrne A. Taneja D. Hashem lappoinled 3 September 20201 N. Skipper lappoinled 3 September 20201 8. Patel (appointed 3 September 2020) Princlpal Office: 33-39 Bowlin9 Green Lane London EC1R OBJ Bankers: CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill Wesl Malling Kent ME194JQ Independent Examiner.. K.C. Fisher BA FCA CTA % Myrus Smith Chartered Accountan15 Nomian House 8 Burnell Road Sutton Surrey SM14BW RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (Inc Public Benefit diselosurel Who w¢ are The Right to Education InIt￿atiVe IRTEI is an intemalional human rights organisation focusing on the right to education. We promote education as a human right, striving for a world where everyone. withoul discrimination of any kind, can ftjlly enjoy the right to eduGation in all its dimensions. What we stand for The objective of RTE is to promte any charitable purposes to recognition of education as a hum8n right, essential for the wellbeing and development of every individual, regardless of their status and circumstance over their life course. This commitment is underpinned by the principles of Lsniversality, indivisibility and interdependence. We recognise that eduealion is key for the realisation of other rights and for building societies where respeot for human rights, tolerance, inclusivity 8nd diversity are valued. What we do We advocate for states to both legally commit to and implement the right to edU￿t￿n - to make it a reality for all. In so doing we also seek to ensure that governments are held accountable ft)r meeting their human rights obligations. RTE builds bridges be￿een diverse fields Ihuman rights. education and development), stakeholders, {inclLfding civil society organisations, intemational organisations, academics, and st8tesl and diverse language communit￿S (including English, French, Spanish and Arabic). We link global, national and local research and evidence-based policy dialogue to campaigning and advocacy with the aim of accelerating progress towards the realizalion of Ihe right to education for all through positive and Cont￿te changes on the ground. As set in our constitution, our object is lo promote the right to education, as defined by international human rights law, by.. Sharing infomation, tools and resources on the rioht to education., Researching Into right lo education issues., Monitor abuses of the right to education., Raise awareness on right to education issues", Providing technical advice to partner civil society organisalions on right to education issues", International advocacy of the right to education,. and Promoting respect for the right to education among individuals and corporation The trustees confirm that they have had regard lo the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission in considering the activities of. and future plans for, th& charity. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Over the course of 2020, wip dpvernp_cd a straleric lan which consolidates our vision, mission and the changes we w8nt to see in the coming years. It defines four key areas of focus for the two-year period, but phases activity to place an emphasis on the following three areas of focu5 for 2D20'. role of Prissatisation of Èilucation and thLa)riiale actors - driving stale accountability for inclusive free, quality public education using the Abidjan Principles Te ar;d F.ducal,.on. mobilising for the right lo free, compuLg0ry pre-primary education for all Flt èo eil., Ication of m.,. r3nls advottating for the right lo education of all individuals, irrespective of nationality tsr legal status Additionally, our work is supported by ¢ross Cutting activities on monitoring and accountability. RIGFff TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Irat¥.Vlf'. ftic.iis onA: Dri¥iflfl Ntattr uc r ount?bilily for in¥lu¥ive frrio, qi531iti pi,. 1541ng} tlic Al?iflj411 Princ',1ts5Q The promotion and implementation of the Abidjan PrFnciples, a reference text on the right to education adopted in 2019 by 8 group of intemab'onal experts following a three-year participatory consultation period, continues to be a primary feature of our work. RTE sits on the Secretarial of the Abidjan Principles, and is instrumental in disseminating information, providirsg guidance and assisting civil society alongside national and inlemational entities in their implementation. In 2020, we celebrated the first anniversary of the Principles.. began editing a book interrogating the most important topics and contentious debates from the adoplion processes in both the legal and education spheres., commenced an innovative collaboration with UNESCO-IIEP and the Global Initiative for Economie. Social and Cultural Rights lo develop a methodological framework to review national education strategic plans and ensure they reflect Stales, internab'onal commitments for the implementation of the right to educatKJn'. organised and participated in numerous conferences, webinars, trainings and events," and drafted books, arb"cles, joint submissions and papers in ¢ollaboralion with a range of partners. Major advances were seen in the recognition of the Abidjan Principles by region81 and international human rights organisations, as well as strides forward in their practical use in advocacy and rights protection efforts. The success of the Abidjan Principles in 2020 is both testament to the strength of this reference document an(t the carefully conducted, inclusive and participatory process that led lo its adoption, and the concerted and ongoing outreach and advocacy conducted by the Secretarial, rafting committee ancl advisors. 'flie Abidi&ll? Priiii.'iplpri fn liv￿1#)?.ri.- 2Q20 Outreach and engagement RTE held and participated in 12 d￿lerse events to promote and explain the Abidjan Principles Co-ediled one book Co drafted I￿0 papers Took part In two joint submissions lo UN treaty l)odies Abidjan Principles appeared in seven media outlets Impact Overall, the Abidjan Principles have secured recognition by 10 regional and intemational human rights bodies and organisations The Abidjan Principles have bLitsn used in nf?l."Iinal ￿onI￿,.xt5 Ltsifomoit., i1￿h*- %trAtegic for.i.1s °'wo.' Mol?ili- ,.vill￿ lor Ilie light lo freè. pre..priniary edb'oxtii)n fcjr dll In line with our overarching strategy, we commenced an ambitious programme of work on Early Childhood Care and Education IECCEI in 2020. We began working on the n=ioL81 [}￿rtnE.,." CnildlTro,•d, and in July look part in a UINF.sro ivebinar on ECCE in the context of Covid-19. In addition, we participated in technical sessions. collaborated on the drafting of the strategy and are currently working closely with the UNESCO Right to Educalion Programme on its normative dimensions. We also made ECCE a greater fwus on our own channels, and November 2020 published a r..:.:: ,.s!Ip¥ or Fq':i.Jl lij=-: J<>n￿L&￿t In Iqiilipr F.ducolion in Montpellier, France. We facilitsted the distribution and advocacy outreach surrounding the ulldal•d version of the report and its accompanying LolicLkri*:' in addition to supporting the development of article5 on territorial inc%iualilios 8nd h￿h￿r erl.Ir2ti()n. Education under attack: monitoring the Impact of conflict on education in Ukraine Children in eastern Ukraine are missing out on their edu¢ation. For six years conflict has raged in the region.. 13,000 are dead and a staggering 670,000 children don't have access to safe education as a re5uIt. To shine a light on this persistent and protracted humanitarian and human rights crisis, In 2018 R TE began a pilot project in collaboration with Ukrainian partners to monitor the impact of the artned conflict on education. RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIA TIVE TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 In July 2020. we C￿ated the muttimedia essay and accompanying lÉ,oal liar*shtsr,I'CrXsJ in ltr.;. fir:: Thp. ri .￿111 to c,:dJcalion in ea£tem UNfaiDè' _ combining the journalists, evidence and with a human rights analysis. This essay attracted attention on multiple platforms, and led to an Open Society Foundations Instagram takeover invitation for multimedia essay photographer and RTE collaborator Diego Ibarra Sanchez. serving to showcase the photographs and highlight our approach to Using audiovisual infomlation in human rwJhts moniloring projects. In addition, the findings of the project were L5sed by Save the Children Ukraine in a joint subMiss￿n to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and have strengthened our own ongoing advocacy - prompting us to extend our work in this arèa. We are currently working on a themati¢ monitoring guide and series of materials for joumalists for publication in 2021. Worklng with ESCR-Net to monitor the use of data RTE is a steering committee member of the ESCR-Net monitoring working group. ESCR-Net is an intemational network connecting over 280 NG05, socral movements and advocates across more than 75 countr¢es to build a global movement lo make human rights and social Justi￿ a reality for all. Our primary activity with ESCR-net has been to co4ire¢t the development of a onllLcliveor!sitl?-., i)n n'iir.3n ri hts d¢?t¢J. intended to challenge existing narratives and state practice regarding offick81 data - which often falls short when it comes lo the realisalion of economic and social rights. In 2020, we consolidated the final draft of the collentiv 0￿111Dn on d=-.la .￿1￿£ and presented it In 2 workshop at Rightscon. In addition, the collective position was used as the basis for an 4rilFr, c,'JrigQ bmitrt:-:d to th- ,%ii reme Court of P4lpxi=o on the lack of data collection in informal settlements, which helped secur& a unanimous ruling from the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in Mexico that the statistics bureau, INEGI, include informal selllements in the official census. Finally, RTE contributed to ESCR-Net's guKle on ￿ar.j1[el r Debtors and credito Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and which 8re receivable or payable within one year are recorded * transaction prre. Any losses artsing from impaimient are recognised in expenditure el Funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been desi9nated for other purpDses. Designated funds comprise unreslricled funds that have been set aside by the Iruslees for particular purpose. Restricted fund5 are fvnds which are to be used in accordants with specific reslricb'ons imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charty for parh'cular purposes. 13 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Icont 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIESlcontd... Penslons The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme open to employees with an Employer's Contribution fixed al 5.5% of gross salary. Employees can Volunta￿lY contribute to the scheme al a level decided by them. Employees wishing to opt-out may do so. The board of trustees has agreed lo allow 51aff members lo opeole an alternative pension scheme to be agreed with the management at a Council meeting. Contributions payable to the scheme are Charged as an expense the period to which they Felate. g) Operating Leases Operaling lease payments are charged lo the Statement of Financial Aclivities on a straight line ba51s over the period of the lease. h) Foreign Currencies Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded al the rate of exchange ruling at Ihe date of the transaction. In the case of multi-year grants received in instalmenls, exchange gains and losses are calculated by reference to the exchange rale prevailing at the time the grant was awarded. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rale ruling al the balance sheet date. All exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activits'es. 2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Total 2020 Grants and Contracts UNESCO Results CRIN (transfer of Wellspring grants) Open Society Foundations 1,583 3,837 168, 161 31,406 1,583 3,837 168,161 31,406 £204,987 £204,987 In May 2017, Child Right Intemational Ne￿Ork ICRINI and Right to Education Initiative IRTEI signed an MOU (extended in July 20201 where CRIN agreed to support RTE through three incubation phases of fiscal sponsorship. then fiscal agency, and then full Independen￿ (the "incubation period"). This incubation period came to its conclusion on 1st of July of 2021. However, following agfeement be￿een CRIN, RTE and RTE'S current donors, RTE became adrninislratively, financially and fiscally independer¢l from CRIN on 31st of July of 2020 and CRIN released accumulated funds in full to RTE, which had been kept on a separate CRINIRTE account. 14 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INrriATIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Icont 3. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Funds Total 2020 DI￿¢t Costs Salaries, fees and related costs Re¢ruitmenl costs Foreign exchange losses Payroll costs Travel and subsistence 59,803 1,174 428 305 11,1171 59,803 1,174 428 305 (1,1171 £60,593 £60,593 Support Costs P￿rnIses costs Offr¢e and administration Costs Website, computer and IT costs Governance (see note 41 Insurance Subscriptions 2,574 166 257 1,500 210 123 2,574 166 257 1,500 210 123 4.830 4,830 £65,423 £65,423 All expenditure relates to the unrestricted funds. 4. GOVERNANCE COSTS 2020 Independent examination £1,500 S. STAFF COSTS 2020 Wages and salaries Redundancy Social security Pension costs (defined contributs'on schemes) 37,873 5,808 1,919 £45,600 The average number of employees in the year was 3. The average number based on full time equivalents was 2. No employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pen510n costs) in excess of £60,000. The Trustees were not remunerated during the year. No trustees were reimbursed any expenses during the year. Thè total amount of employee benefi'ts re￿Wed by key management personnel was £20,882. Under FRS102, employee benefits in¢lude gr05s salaries, empk)yer's National Insurance contrib￿tionS and employerfs pension contributions. 15 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 Icont 6. NET INCOME 2020 Net income is stated after chargingllcreditingl.. Independent examination Operab'ng lease rentals £1,500 £2.574 7. DEBTORS 2020 P￿paYMentS Other debtors A¢¢rued inGome 71 825 793 £1,689 8. CREDITORS: Arnounts falllng due wlthin one year 2020 AccruaL8 Deferred income Other creditors 7,445 97,280 97 £104,822 Balance at 1 January 2020 Balance at 31 December 2020 Addrtions in the year Analysis of deforred incomo Open Society Institute CRIN (transfer of Wellspring grant} 48,787 48,493 48,787 48,493 £Nil £97.280 £97,280 Deferred income relates to grant income received in advance of the next financial year. 9. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 244,386 1104,8221 244.386 {104.8221 As at 31 December2020 £139,564 £139,564 16 RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATWE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 lcont 10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS There were no related party transactions in 2020. 11. TAXATION Thè charity 15 exempt from taxation on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to its ¢haritable objects 12. LIABILITY OF MEMBERS The charity is conslitute(J as a charitable incorporated organisation. In the event of the charity being wound up, members have no liability to contribute lo its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities. 17