The Second World Congress of Education International, meeting in Washington D.C., U.S.A., from 25 to 29 July 1998:
1. Expresses alarm at the conflict and widespread violence that prevails in Algeria and at the recent attack on the offices of SATEF.
In recent years, this situation has claimed tens of thousands of victims, particularly among civilians, including women and children. Teachers and students, both male and female, have not been spared, schools having been targets of violence.
2. Is especially concerned about the deterioration of teachers’ living conditions and of the quality of public schooling in these circumstances, and deplores the constraints placed on trade-union rights, in particular the right to strike.
3. Notes that the status of human rights in Algeria is constantly declining.
4. Condemns all barbaric acts and recommends that a peaceful, democratic and comprehensive solution to the crisis be sought.
5. Believes that the support of the international community is necessary to help Algeria resolve this serious crisis.
6. Calls upon the Algerian government:
a. to take appropriate measures to effectively protect the people;
b. to allow national and international human rights organisations to carry out their activities unimpeded;
c. to ensure the respect of union freedoms;
d. to give priority status to the education sector.
7. Expresses its solidarity to its Algerian member union, SATEF.