Namibia has not yet fully ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination in Education.
This was revealed by the officials from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture during the Familiarisation Workshop hosted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, Civic Relations and Community Development.
Deputy Executive Director for Formal Education, Edda Bohn, highlighted Namibia's progress under the Convention, citing the introduction of free education and continued mother-tongue teaching.
Bohn says Namibia was on several occasions approached by the UNESCO offices to explore the process of ratification of the same convention.
"So as the technical custodians of this convention are in full support of ratifying that. So eliminating discrimination in education goes as follows: any distinction, exclusion or limitation or preference which is being based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, or economic condition."
The engagement was aimed at strengthening the committee's understanding of Namibia's commitment under various international and regional frameworks, particularly those impacting the education, innovation and youth sectors.
The committee seeks to enhance its capacity to carry out effective oversight, ensure alignment between national policies and international obligations and ultimately contribute to the realisation of Namibia's developmental goals.
"We believe that today's engagement will foster greater mutual understanding and strengthen the link between parliament and the executive in fulfilling our respective constitutional roles. Together we can ensure that Namibia's international commitments translate into tangible benefits for our citizens, particularly our youth who are the constituents of our nation's future," said Marlayn Mbakera, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee-Education.
The committee arranged for a monthly engagement with the ministry for further deliberations.