This article is the result of reflections in various forums and publications on the political dimension of education in a context of changes, recent democratic victories in Latin America, and the emergence of popular or reformist governments that aim to eliminate inherited past exclusions, which became more entrenched as a result of neoliberal governance. I aim to describe some aspects of the process of affirming the right to education in Latin America and the Caribbean since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. One of the most notable democratic victories has been to recognize and incorporate universal, free and compulsory education as a fundamental human right. However, the universality of human rights continues to be as strong in its foundations as it is weak in its application. Furthermore, I aim to analyse some of the factors that have restricted or hindered democratic advances in this field. In our countries, discussion on the progress and setbacks in the right to education are essential to be able to consider the future of this right, and to help to design strategies for a liberating education, based on recognition and respect for the knowledge that has formed us as a community and as a nation.