The right to education is a fundamental human right recognized by international law. It is enshrined in various international treaties and declarations, most notably in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Article 26 of the UDHR states:

"Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit."

The right to education encompasses several key principles, including:

Availability: There should be a sufficient number of educational institutions and facilities to ensure that education is accessible to all without discrimination.

Accessibility: Education must be accessible to everyone, including marginalized groups, persons with disabilities, and those living in remote or disadvantaged areas.

Acceptability: Education must be of good quality and culturally appropriate, taking into consideration the diverse needs and backgrounds of students.

Adaptability: Education should be flexible to accommodate the evolving needs of society and to foster lifelong learning opportunities.

Affordability: Primary education should be free, and secondary and higher education should be progressively made accessible to all, without financial barriers preventing individuals from pursuing their educational aspirations.

Non-discrimination: All individuals should have equal access to education, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or socio-economic background.

Gender equality: Education should promote gender equality and eliminate gender-based discrimination in access to education.

Countries that have ratified international human rights treaties, like the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), have a legal obligation to ensure that the right to education is respected, protected, and fulfilled for all individuals within their territories.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in improving access to education worldwide, but challenges still persist, especially in less developed regions. Many efforts are being made by governments, international organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve the goal of providing quality education for all and ensure that the right to education is upheld globally.