India’s NEP 2020 praised at UNHRC for decolonising education

During the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, William McEwen-Benatar, an Oxford student representing the Akshar Foundation, advocated for the global decolonisation of education systems. He argued that moving away from rigid, Westernised models toward systems that emphasize local languages, indigenous heritage, and practical skills is a “human rights necessity” to address systemic inequalities.

McEwen-Benatar commended the Government of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformative framework for achieving educational equity. He specifically noted the policy’s focus on early education in mother tongues, the integration of vocational traditions, and the inclusion of indigenous art and culture.

He further highlighted the work of the Akshar Foundation, which aims to operationalise the goals of NEP 2020 within marginalised communities by integrating environmental stewardship, community leadership, and traditional practical skills into school curricula.