The events in Brussels are an attack on the values of democracy, equality and freedom, Education International's General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen said in a comment today. He insisted that those trying to undermine those values would not succeed, but reinforce the commitment to uphold them all over the world.
"First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the families of those who were killed and our sympathies to the injured," van Leeuwen said.
More than thirty people were killed and over two hundred fifty were injured in an attack on Brussels' airport and on a subway station near the EU headquarter buildings earlier. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibilty for the attack, which follows the arrest of Salah Abdesalam, one of the top suspects in last year's Paris attacks."In so far as we can ascertain, all EI staff are secure. A number of staff are abroad and unable to return for the moment, but everyone is safe," Van Leeuwen continued. "We would also like to thank those who have contacted us to express their concern."
"These horrendous and tragic events are an attack on the values of democracy, equality and freedom. The perpetrators of this horrific crime will not succeed in undermining those values but reinforce the commitment of civilized people everywhere to uphold them", van Leeuwen concluded.
In light of the events and the shutdown of public transportation in Brussels, Education International decided to close its head office on Tuesday afternoon, 22 March, and on Wednesday, 23 March.