Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Reconstruction

Please see the current version of the INEE Minimum Standards, launched in 2024, here.

All individuals have a right to education. This right is articulated in many international conventions and documents, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948); the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951); the Geneva Convention (IV) Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War; the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966); the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989); and the Dakar World Education Forum Framework for Action (2000), promoting Education For All. Education in emergencies, and during chronic crises and early reconstruction efforts, can be both life-saving and life-sustaining. It can save lives by protecting against exploitation and harm and by disseminating key survival messages, on issues such as landmine safety or HIV/AIDS prevention. It sustains life by offering structure, stability and hope for the future during a time of crisis, particularly for children and adolescents. Education in emergencies also helps to heal the pain of bad experiences, build skills, and support conflict resolution and peace building.