Education union leaders meeting in Buenos Aires for the 10th Education International World Congress have adopted several resolutions in solidarity with educators and students affected by war and armed conflict and that call for the protection of schools as safe sanctuaries. Unionists also highlighted the role of education in building world peace and justice and called on governments to prioritise education over military spending.
The effect of war on education and children
At the 10th World Congress, education unions warned about the global rise in armed conflict, noting that some states choose to ignore international laws that protect schools, education, and civilians, especially children. The destruction of school infrastructure undermines the provision of education and has long-term negative consequences for entire nations, fueling the cycle of poverty and inequality for generations.
Stressing that “education is the key to fostering sustainable peace and democracy”, Education International (EI) member organisations committed to find ways to use education as a mitigation strategy against the psycho-social impact of wars and to build critical thinking in learners to enable individuals and societies to challenge oppression, tyranny, and inequality. Education unions also pledged to condemn war and those countries complicit in war.
Peace education
In another resolution, Education International member organisations reaffirmed their commitment to peace education, warning that while global military expenditure has reached record levels, 400 million children around the world are living in or fleeing conflict zones.
Stating that “wars and conflicts are the greatest violations of human rights”, education unions stressed the role of education in building peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.
EI member organisations called on all governments to adopt and implement EI’s Safe Schools Declaration, committing to protect educational institutions and the right to education during conflicts. Unions also stated their opposition to unrestrained military spending and called on governments to instead focus on all means to promote world peace, including education.
The education and wellbeing of children during periods of conflict
From Palestinian children unable to access even a basic education to Ukrainian children forced to learn online or in metro stations, from girls in Afghanistan who are forbidden from going to school to children at risk of being kidnapped from school by armed groups that operate in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 222 million school-aged children are affected by crises and emergencies. 35% (78.2 million) of those children are out of school.
Teachers working in emergency contexts also face terrible circumstances. In addition to the threats to their personal safety, teachers working in areas of conflict face huge challenges in carrying out their role. The global teacher recruitment and retention crisis is particularly acute in areas of conflict.
Taking note of this worrying situation, education union leaders at EI’s 10th World Congress adopted a resolution condemning the attacks on students and educators and resolving to support colleagues working in areas of conflict, to challenge governments in the global north to fulfil their responsibilities in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education for all, and to enhance cooperation with education unions in emergency contexts.
Solidarity with Ukraine
EI member organisations also paid tribute to and reaffirmed their solidarity with students, educators, and the people of Ukraine amid Russia’s war of aggression.
Over the past two years, the war has had a devastating impact on Ukraine’s education communities. As of February 2024, 3,800 educational institutions have been damaged by bombing and shelling, 387 of them completely destroyed. At least 535 children have been killed and more than 1,255 injured as a result of Russian aggression. More than 19,500 children were forcibly deported to Russia by the occupiers. Children under occupation or deported to Russia are subject to forced "Russian re-education".
Furthermore, Ukrainian teachers under occupation are forced to conduct lessons and educational activities that justify the Russian invasion, distort and falsify the history of Ukraine. Ukrainian language and literature and the history of Ukraine are excluded from the list of school subjects, and teachers are forced to teach all subjects in Russian.
In a dedicated resolution, EI’s 10th World Congress paid tribute to the bravery and dedication of teachers and educators in Ukraine. Congress also condemned the invasion and resolved to continue to contribute to international pressure on the Russian Federation to end the war and withdraw from the internationally recognised territory of Ukraine. Education unions committed to continue their support for the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine and its members in their struggle for freedom and independence, for peace, and for safe, quality education and decent working conditions. In addition, unions will continue to support Ukrainian refugee educators and students in their home countries.
Solidarity with Palestinian educators and students
Since October 2023, Education International has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and commitment to building lasting peace in the region.
In Buenos Aires, EI’s 10th World Congress adopted an urgent resolution calling for immediate action to address the escalating starvation in Gaza. Famine is spreading across the entire Strip, with more than 400,000 people at severe risk.
The resolution also emphasised the impact of the war on teachers, education support personnel, and students, as well as the destruction of education infrastructure in Gaza. As of 23 July 2024, 8,719 students and 397 teachers have been killed, 497 of 563 schools have been damaged or destroyed, and 12 universities have been destroyed.
The EI World Congress called for the urgent implementation of the UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and lasting ceasefire, along with the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, action to prevent forced displacement, and the recognition of the rights of Palestinian people.
Congress also stressed the imperative need to reopen the Rafah crossing, the only lifeline for more than 1.5 million vulnerable people, and to vastly increase humanitarian aid in order to prevent further suffering.
Through the resolution, education unionists also expressed their support for the two-state solution as a key step in building lasting peace.