Inddhh urges State to ratify face-to-face education as child’s right following Mennonite cases

The National Human Rights Institution and Ombudsman’s Office (Inddhh) has called on the Uruguayan government to ratify face-to-face education as a fundamental right for children, following a recent court ruling that allowed Mennonite families to educate their children at home. The decision, which was upheld by the Supreme Court of Justice, was based on changes introduced by the Urgent Consideration Act (LUC) that removed the requirement for compulsory registration of children in educational institutions.

The Inddhh emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees parents the right to choose their children’s education, this must be balanced with the children’s right to receive a quality education that includes social and cultural development. Educational institutions, according to the Inddhh, are essential for fostering the skills and autonomy needed for life in a pluralistic society.

The institution stressed that education should not be viewed merely as the transmission of knowledge, but as a process that involves interaction with diverse perspectives. This perspective aligns with the broader goal of preparing children to coexist and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the cassation appeal from the National Institute for Educational Planning (ANEP) in the case of a Mennonite community in Florida highlights the legal complexities surrounding home education. The ruling allowed parents to continue educating their daughters at home, citing the constitutional right to choose educational methods.

In response, the Minister of Education and Culture, José Carlos Mahía, has suggested that article 127 of the LUC, which eliminated the compulsory registration requirement, should be repealed. This move reflects ongoing debates about the balance between parental choice and the state’s responsibility to ensure educational access and quality for all children.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)