According to Section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 everyone is entitled to and has the right to basic education. “Everyone” includes disabled learners. The international framework regarding the right to basic education and the accessibility of the infrastructure for physically disabled learners in public schools was examined to determine whether or not South Africa complies with the formalities and obligations prescribed and what the implications are, if the state does not comply. To reach the purpose of the above statement made there has to be determined which legislation is applicable to disabled learners and a definition needs to be provided for the term „physical disability‟ (Chapter 1). Secondly the core of the research question concealed in the above statement and its applicable articles will be discussed as seen in General Comment No. 13 of the International Covenant on the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Chapter 2). Thereafter international legislation will be discussed with the focus on basic education, disability, the accessibility of the infrastructure and the obligations placed on the state (Chapter 3 and 4). The focus will then be moved to the regional framework and the provision made with regards to the right to basic education and disability (Chapter 5). The relevant constitutional sections will then be investigated before reaching a conclusion. The sections that will be taken into account are sections 7, 9, 28, 29, 36, 39 and 233 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The purpose of the investigation of the constitutional sections is to determine what basic education entails and if there is a uniform definition thereof. A further purpose with the investigation of the constitutional provisions is to determine whether there is an infringement of disabled learners„ rights to equality and to basic education. Another purpose is to determine to which extent South African schools are accessible to disabled learners in the provision of infrastructure of school buildings as it is now and the obligation that rests on the state to adapt the infrastructure (Chapter 6). After the discussion of the above mentioned chapters a conclusion will be reached on to what extent the state complies with its constitutional and international obligations to realize disabled children„s right to basic education can be come to (Chapter 7). The inaccessibility of public school buildings in South Africa and disabled children„s need for basic education has led to the research question. / LLM (Comparative Child Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

According to Section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 everyone is entitled to and has the right to basic education. “Everyone” includes disabled learners. The international framework regarding the right to basic education and the accessibility of the infrastructure for physically disabled learners in public schools was examined to determine whether or not South Africa complies with the formalities and obligations prescribed and what the implications are, if the state does not comply. To reach the purpose of the above statement made there has to be determined which legislation is applicable to disabled learners and a definition needs to be provided for the term „physical disability‟ (Chapter 1). Secondly the core of the research question concealed in the above statement and its applicable articles will be discussed as seen in General Comment No. 13 of the International Covenant on the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Chapter 2). Thereafter international legislation will be discussed with the focus on basic education, disability, the accessibility of the infrastructure and the obligations placed on the state (Chapter 3 and 4). The focus will then be moved to the regional framework and the provision made with regards to the right to basic education and disability (Chapter 5). The relevant constitutional sections will then be investigated before reaching a conclusion. The sections that will be taken into account are sections 7, 9, 28, 29, 36, 39 and 233 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The purpose of the investigation of the constitutional sections is to determine what basic education entails and if there is a uniform definition thereof. A further purpose with the investigation of the constitutional provisions is to determine whether there is an infringement of disabled learners„ rights to equality and to basic education. Another purpose is to determine to which extent South African schools are accessible to disabled learners in the provision of infrastructure of school buildings as it is now and the obligation that rests on the state to adapt the infrastructure (Chapter 6). After the discussion of the above mentioned chapters a conclusion will be reached on to what extent the state complies with its constitutional and international obligations to realize disabled children„s right to basic education can be come to (Chapter 7). The inaccessibility of public school buildings in South Africa and disabled children„s need for basic education has led to the research question. / LLM (Comparative Child Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

O direito à educação básica conforma direito de tipo especial, visto que sua proteção é condição necessária para o usufruto de todos os outros direitos fundamentais. A presente dissertação de mestrado procura analisar a extensão da proteção normativa concedida a esse direito nos Estados-Partes do MERCOSUL. Tal análise será feita mediante uma pesquisa conduzida em três níveis distintos, nomeadamente, o plano constitucional, internacional e o regional. Em virtude de sua natureza individual e coletiva, fundamental e humana, o direito à educação básica é tutelado nestes três planos, ensejando uma necessária apreciação de suas interelações. Desta forma, o presente estudo analisa não apenas as normas constitucionais em matéria educacional, mas se amplia para toda a produção de documentos internacionais tratados e declarações - que tutelam o direito à educação básica. Por último, analisaremos o papel da educação no fenômeno da integração mercosulina, concluindo que é inegável que a estruturação do Setor Educacional do MERCOSUL ainda não foi capaz de incrementar a proteção normativa do direito à educação básica, resumindo suas atividades à compilação de informações estatísticas, reconhecimento de diplomas e títulos de grau entre os Estados-Partes e fomento de uma mentalidade favorável à integração. Infelizmente a ousadia das declarações internacionais contrasta com a timidez das atividades mercosulinas. / The right to basic education conforms a special right, given that its protection is a necessary condition for the enjoyment of all other fundamental rights. This dissertation aims to analyze the extent of juridical protection granted to the right to basic education in the Member States of MERCOSUR. This analysis shall be done through a survey conducted at three different levels, namely, the constitutional level, international and regional. Because of their juridical nature as individual and collective, as fundamental and human, the right to basic education is protected in these three planes, allowing for a necessary appreciation of their interrelations. Thus, this study is not reduced to the educational provisions located on the constitutional plain, and contemplates the entire production of international documents - treaties and declarations - which protect the right to basic education. Finally, we analyze the role of education in the phenomenon of integration conducted in the MERCOSUR, concluding that it is undeniable that the structuring of the Educational Sector of MERCOSUR has not yet been able to increase the legislative protection of the right to basic education, summarizing its activities to the compilation of statistical information, recognition of degree certifications among States Parties, and promoting a spirit of integration. Unfortunately, the boldness of the international declarations contrasts with the timidity of the regional activities.

The financing of public schools in South Africa is dependent on school fees to a great extent. However, the legislative process governing the charging of school fees perpetuates the entrenched inequality in the education system and violates the constitutional rights of those learners who are unable to afford school fees and other educational costs. This study examines the impact of the school funding system on the right to basic education of these learners, who are in most instances black and/or poor.

The financing of public schools in South Africa is dependent on school fees to a great extent. However, the legislative process governing the charging of school fees perpetuates the entrenched inequality in the education system and violates the constitutional rights of those learners who are unable to afford school fees and other educational costs. This study examines the impact of the school funding system on the right to basic education of these learners, who are in most instances black and/or poor.

O direito à educação básica conforma direito de tipo especial, visto que sua proteção é condição necessária para o usufruto de todos os outros direitos fundamentais. A presente dissertação de mestrado procura analisar a extensão da proteção normativa concedida a esse direito nos Estados-Partes do MERCOSUL. Tal análise será feita mediante uma pesquisa conduzida em três níveis distintos, nomeadamente, o plano constitucional, internacional e o regional. Em virtude de sua natureza individual e coletiva, fundamental e humana, o direito à educação básica é tutelado nestes três planos, ensejando uma necessária apreciação de suas interelações. Desta forma, o presente estudo analisa não apenas as normas constitucionais em matéria educacional, mas se amplia para toda a produção de documentos internacionais tratados e declarações - que tutelam o direito à educação básica. Por último, analisaremos o papel da educação no fenômeno da integração mercosulina, concluindo que é inegável que a estruturação do Setor Educacional do MERCOSUL ainda não foi capaz de incrementar a proteção normativa do direito à educação básica, resumindo suas atividades à compilação de informações estatísticas, reconhecimento de diplomas e títulos de grau entre os Estados-Partes e fomento de uma mentalidade favorável à integração. Infelizmente a ousadia das declarações internacionais contrasta com a timidez das atividades mercosulinas. / The right to basic education conforms a special right, given that its protection is a necessary condition for the enjoyment of all other fundamental rights. This dissertation aims to analyze the extent of juridical protection granted to the right to basic education in the Member States of MERCOSUR. This analysis shall be done through a survey conducted at three different levels, namely, the constitutional level, international and regional. Because of their juridical nature as individual and collective, as fundamental and human, the right to basic education is protected in these three planes, allowing for a necessary appreciation of their interrelations. Thus, this study is not reduced to the educational provisions located on the constitutional plain, and contemplates the entire production of international documents - treaties and declarations - which protect the right to basic education. Finally, we analyze the role of education in the phenomenon of integration conducted in the MERCOSUR, concluding that it is undeniable that the structuring of the Educational Sector of MERCOSUR has not yet been able to increase the legislative protection of the right to basic education, summarizing its activities to the compilation of statistical information, recognition of degree certifications among States Parties, and promoting a spirit of integration. Unfortunately, the boldness of the international declarations contrasts with the timidity of the regional activities.

Magister Legum - LLM / The financing of public schools in South Africa is dependent on school fees to a great extent. However, the legislative process governing the charging of school fees perpetuates the entrenched inequality in the education system and violates the constitutional rights of those learners who are unable to afford school fees and other educational costs. This study examines the impact of the school funding system on the right to basic education of these learners, who are in most instances black and/or poor. / South Africa

Section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 states that everyone has the right to basic education. This provision must be interpreted in order to determine whether it refers to a period of education, or a certain standard or quality of education that also includes infrastructure. In this dissertation, the scope of the right to basic education and the state’s obligation with regard to infrastructure, are discussed. The dissertation will point out that the right to basic education should also consider the best interests of the child-standard as well as the right to equality. The Constitution provides that everyone has the right to basic education, which implies that there should be no discrimination against any child. In order to determine the scope of section 29 and the duty of the state accordingly, the provisions of international instruments must also be consider. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Children Charter and specifically the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights refer to the obligations of the state in respect to the provision of basic education and infrastructure. The Schools Act provides for the Minister of Basic Education to prescribe minimum norms and standards relating to school infrastructure. The importance of minimum norms and standards for quality education has been investigated with specific reference to libraries, learning material and water and sanitation facilities. Lastly, the lack of an internal limitation clause and the effect of section 36, the general limitation clause, were considered to evaluate the state’s obligation to provide quality education. / LLM (Comparative Child Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Section 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 states that everyone has the right to basic education. This provision must be interpreted in order to determine whether it refers to a period of education, or a certain standard or quality of education that also includes infrastructure. In this dissertation, the scope of the right to basic education and the state’s obligation with regard to infrastructure, are discussed. The dissertation will point out that the right to basic education should also consider the best interests of the child-standard as well as the right to equality. The Constitution provides that everyone has the right to basic education, which implies that there should be no discrimination against any child. In order to determine the scope of section 29 and the duty of the state accordingly, the provisions of international instruments must also be consider. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Children Charter and specifically the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights refer to the obligations of the state in respect to the provision of basic education and infrastructure. The Schools Act provides for the Minister of Basic Education to prescribe minimum norms and standards relating to school infrastructure. The importance of minimum norms and standards for quality education has been investigated with specific reference to libraries, learning material and water and sanitation facilities. Lastly, the lack of an internal limitation clause and the effect of section 36, the general limitation clause, were considered to evaluate the state’s obligation to provide quality education. / LLM (Comparative Child Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Na Constituição Federal de 1988 (CF/88) o direito à educação é declarado como um direito fundamental, de caráter social, configurando-se um direito de todos e dever do Estado. Todavia, há um longo caminho a ser percorrido para que todos, sem distinção, tenham acesso à educação, e que esta seja de qualidade. Recorrer ao Poder Judiciário pode ser uma das possibilidades de efetivá-lo. Esta tese analisa como os desembargadores têm apreciado e julgado as demandas envolvendo os direitos de crianças e adolescentes à educação, no âmbito do Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo (TJ-SP), instância de recurso do Poder Judiciário, no período após a implantação do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. Objetivou-se identificar em quais litígios consolidou-se uma jurisprudência favorável à exigibilidade judicial, e localizar os possíveis entraves quanto à interpretação do direito à educação, procurando compreender se a intervenção judicial possibilita uma ampliação da efetivação dos direitos educacionais e, consequentemente, o fortalecimento da democracia. Nas referências teóricas buscou-se discutir a efetividade e a interpretação das normas relacionadas ao direito à educação, como um direito social, no contexto do Estado democrático de direito adotado pela CF/88, o processo de expansão do Poder Judiciário para a proteção dos direitos sociais e as características institucionais do Judiciário brasileiro e do TJ-SP. Tendo em vista os objetivos, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental, com a coleta de 483 decisões proferidas pelo TJ-SP, no período de 1991 a 2008. Esses documentos, com base nas principais demandas e questionamentos discutidos nos processos, foram organizados e analisados em amplas categorias: acesso à educação básica; permanência; responsabilidade estatal; poder de regulação estatal; decisões administrativas e políticas; gestão dos recursos públicos e deveres dos pais. A partir da análise geral das decisões, denota-se que os principais obstáculos para a exigibilidade judicial do direito à educação estão relacionados, sobretudo, às questões sobre o orçamento público, aos limites da discricionariedade do administrador e do campo decisório do Judiciário e ao atendimento às demandas difusas e coletivas envolvendo a formulação e a implementação de políticas públicas. Observa-se que há uma tendência majoritária entre os membros do TJ-SP a aceitar com mais facilidade as demandas que requisitavam, individualmente ou para um número definido de interessados, o acesso à educação, consolidando uma jurisprudência favorável ao longo dos anos, principalmente com relação à educação infantil e à educação especial. Todavia, os desembargadores foram mais resistentes em acatar os pedidos relacionados às questões técnicas ou políticas, considerando o argumento da separação dos poderes. Por fim, constata-se que o Judiciário constitui importante instrumento para a consolidação da democracia ao possibilitar reivindicar a efetivação do direito à educação, no entanto torna-se fundamental a mudança de concepção de parcela dos seus membros, no que se refere à interferência desta instituição no controle da ação da administração pública, quando esta deixa de cumprir com os direitos declarados. / In the Federal Constitution of 1988 (CF/88) the right to education is declared as a fundamental right, social character, configuring a everyone right and duty of the State. However, there is a long way to be crawled so that everyone, without distinction, has access to education, and that this is quality. Recourse to the Judiciary can be one of the possibilities to make permanent. This thesis examines how the magistrates have esteemed and judged demands involving the rights of children and adolescents to education, in the context of the São Paulo Justice Court (TJ-SP), the judiciary instance appeal, in the period after the implantation of the Children and Adolescents Statute. The target is identify in which litigations consolidated a favorable jurisprudence to judicial enforceability and find potential barriers as to the interpretation of the right to education, trying to understand if judicial intervention enables extension of effective educational rights and consequently, the strengthening of the democracy. In the theoretical references attempted discuss the effectiveness and interpretation of standards related to the right to education, as a social law, in the Democratic State context adopted by CF/88, the process of Judiciary expansion to the protection of social rights and institutional characteristics of the Brazilian Judiciary, and judicial and the São Paulo Justice Court (TJ-SP). According the objectives, achieved the research with 483 decisions given by the TJ-SP, during the period 1991 to 2008. These documents, on the basis of the main demands and questions discussed in the processes, were organized and analyzed in wide categories: access to basic education; permanence; State responsibility; State regulatory power; policies and administrative decisions; management of public resources and parents obligations. From the general analysis of the decisions, denotes that the main obstacles to judicial enforceability of the right to education are related, primarily, to questions about the public budget, to the administrator discretionary limits and the Judiciary decisive area, and the attendance to the diffuse and collective demands involving the formulation and implementation of public policies. Noted that there is a tendency majority among of the TJ-SP members to accept more easily demands that required, individually or to a defined number of interested parties, the access to education, consolidating a favorable jurisprudence over the years, mainly with respect to early childhood education and special education. However, the magistrates were more resistant to accept requests related to policy or technical issues, whereas the argument of the separation of powers. Finally, the Judiciary constitutes an important instrument for consolidating to democracy, enabled identifiable claim the right to education, however it, becomes crucial to changing the conception of its members, regarding the interference of this institution in control of the action of public administration, when this not comply with the rights declared.