Right to Education
14th October 2021
The Office of the Commissioner for Children would like to reiterate its stand that the right of every child in Malta to a quality education must be guaranteed in the face of the ongoing pandemic as should be their own and their teacher’s right to health. Both education and health are fundamental rights that must be provided in equal measure even in this situation.
There can be no compromises on the quality of education when trying to reconcile the competing demands of child education and public health. Children and teachers must strive to excel and be held to the same high standards whether they are receiving or providing education at school or in a remote manner.
The Office appeals to all stakeholders not to overstep their remit and let the public health authorities decide what public health measures are needed to respond to any outbreak of covid-19 in schools. The adoption of such measures is the exclusive remit and responsibility of the public health authorities.