The Network for Education and Academic Rights (NEAR) is a membership-based, non-governmental organisation which facilitates international collaboration between organisations active in issues of academic freedom and educational rights, and committed to promoting an understanding of, and respect for, the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

NEAR was launched at the UNESCO offices in Paris on 18-19 June 2001.The UNESCO-sponsored event brought together representatives from over twenty human rights organisations, educational associations and professional bodies to establish a clearing house of information on academic freedom and education rights and facilitate joint action.

NEAR receives reports of academic rights violations from its member organisations and credible media sources which are posted as alerts on the NEAR website. Membership is open to independent, non-governmental organisations that have interests that promote academic freedom and/or human rights in education.

The NEAR offices are hosted by the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics, a charity based in London, UK.