Education is recognized for the first time as a human right (inherent to every human being, equal for all and universal) in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations adopted in 1948 after the Second World War. Education as a human right is part of the second phase of human rights that includes economic, social and cultural rights. (The first phase was the political and civil rights that were declared at the end of the 18th century under the influence of enlightened thought. Economic, social and cultural rights were originally promoted by socialist countries and by supporters of the welfare state.

Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes that everyone has the right to education and that it must be free and compulsory at least in the initial stages of education. Secondary, technical and vocational education should be generally accessible and higher education should be accessible to all on the basis of merit. Article 26 also states that education should promote the development of human personality and strengthen respect for human rights and freedoms. It should also promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among nations and racial and religious groups.