''As the world observes the first International Day of Education, KHRG calls for urgent measures to be taken to ensure that all children in Myanmar can benefit from a free and high-quality education in their native language. Indeed, accessing education continues to be a challenge in rural areas of Southeast Myanmar. This situation contributes to the social and economic marginalisation of local people, further undermining the full enjoyment of their human rights and preventing them from stepping out of poverty. According to UNICEF, Myanmar has the second lowest youth literacy rate among ASEAN countries, which illustrates the failure of the government to meet its obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the country’s Constitution. Over the last years, the signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement coupled with greater public investment have improved access to education in some parts of Southeast Myanmar. However, local children still lack comprehensive access to education materials and free, high-quality schools within a safe distance from their community. In parallel, educational fees and hidden costs further undermine the right to education for families facing livelihood and food security issues. Middle and high school education is particularly difficult to access due to higher fees and a lack of facilities in rural areas. Many villagers also remain displaced in refugee or IDP camps, which affects the quality and stability of their access to education. Sporadic armed clashes force others to temporarily leave their village, thus interrupting the activity of schools. KHRG also documented that trust in government teachers is undermined by cases of abuse against students, including sexual violence and corporal punishment...''