The Principle of Equality in the Right to Education and its Impact on Peacebuilding

Research Idea: The principle of equality in the right to education is a foundational pillar for achieving peace and sustainable development. It promotes mutual understanding and fosters relationships grounded in respect among individuals and communities, making it a vital factor in establishing the foundations of peace. Objectives: This research seeks to examine the principle of equality in the right to education as a core legal and humanitarian basis contributing to social harmony and sustainable peacebuilding. It aims to clarify the constitutional and international frameworks that regulate this right and to assess the extent to which substantive equality is realized within the Iraqi educational context, particularly in regions with weak infrastructure or emerging from conflict. The research further explores both the direct and indirect linkages between equal educational opportunities and social cohesion, as well as the role of school curricula in either promoting or undermining a culture of peace. Methods: The research adopts an analytical–comparative approach through the examination and interpretation of legal texts, supported by inductive reasoning to draw conclusions about the impact of equitable education on peacebuilding. A comparative method is applied where appropriate to enhance contextual and legal understanding. Results: The principle of equality in the right to education requires universal and nondiscriminatory access, imposing an obligation on the state to guarantee education for all individuals. Nonetheless, the lack of adequate infrastructure in many schools, particularly in rural areas and certain governorates, has resulted in de facto discrimination, limiting equitable access to and enjoyment of this right. Conclusion: The research concludes that equality in the right to education constitutes an essential precondition for peacebuilding, especially in societies affected by conflict or instability. Although the 2005 Iraqi Constitution provides a strong legal basis for the right to education, disparities in infrastructure and educational services across governorates, urban centers, and rural areas continue to impede the realization of substantive equality in accessing this fundamental right.