Out of the 23 recommendations concerning the right to education, four specifically addressed the school dropout rates. Including the recommendations made by Japan, Cyprus, the Holy See, and Austria, which focus on reducing dropout rates and ensuring inclusive, equitable access to education, specifically those outlined in 134.133, 134.134, 134.135, and 134.199.
The UPR Midterm report indicates that Bulgaria has implemented recommendations to reduce school dropout rates by establishing a Mechanism for joint work among institutions. This initiative formed 1,222 teams nationwide to identify at-risk children and address the causes of dropout. Consequently, 1,324 previously unenrolled children were enrolled in schools during the 2022/2023 academic year. [vi]
Furthermore, seven recommendations focused on the Roma children’s right to education, including recommendations 134.132, 134.159, 134.190, 134.195, 134.202, 134.204, and 134.207, made by Nepal, the USA, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Croatia, France, and Iran. These recommendations emphasize protecting Roma children’s right to education by addressing discrimination, increasing preschool attendance, reducing dropout rates, and ensuring equal access to quality education and social services.
The UPR Midterm report indicates that Bulgaria has made significant progress in implementing recommendations to improve educational opportunities for Roma children. This effort is part of the National Strategy for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of the Roma (2021–2030). Key initiatives include targeted programs designed to increase access to education for Roma children, campaigns aimed at reducing stereotypes, and investments in educational infrastructure.
Five of the recommendations concerning the right to education were regarding people with disabilities, including 134.215, 134.219, 134.220, 134.212, and 134.183 from Japan, Ethiopia, Greece, Mexico, and Laos, which focus on ensuring that children and young people with disabilities have access to inclusive education.
The UPR Midterm report highlights that efforts to improve access to education for children with disabilities are ongoing. Current measures include legislative reforms, enhanced teacher training, and initiatives aimed at making mainstream schools more accessible. Bulgaria is also focused on data collection to monitor progress.
Bulgaria’s national report states that the Ministry of Education and Science recorded a 40% reduction in dropout rates due to the Mechanism for Inter-institutional Work on Enrolment and Inclusion. [vii]
The Mechanism for Inter-institutional Work on Enrolment and Inclusion coordinates efforts across various institutions to identify, support, and reintegrate students at risk of dropping out. By engaging with social services, schools, and child protection agencies, it addresses issues such as poor attendance and provides targeted support to vulnerable families. [viii]
Download the PDF
46th_Session_UN-UPR_Country_Review_North_Macedonia_SReferences
[vi] Republic of Bulgaria and United Nations Human Rights Council, “INTERIM REPORT on the Implementation of the Recommendations Received During the Third Universal Periodic Review.”
[vii] Government of Bulgaria. National Report Submitted in Accordance with Paragraph 5 of the Annex to Human Rights Council Resolution 16/21: Bulgaria. United Nations Human Rights Council, May 2020. https://upr-info.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-05/national_report_bulgaria_english.pdf.
[viii] UNICEF Bulgaria. “Poor Educational Outcomes, Dropping Out of School, Increasing Incidences of Violence and Harassment among Bulgarian Adolescents.” UNICEF Bulgaria, November 20, 2020. https://www.unicef.org/bulgaria/en/press-releases/poor-educational-outcomes-dropping-out-school-increasing-incidences-violence-and.
Featured Photo by aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash