Education International (EI) launched a call for solidarity to support education unions in Lebanon as they assist their communities due to the escalating violence in the region which continues to inflict devastating harm on civilians including students and teachers. Schools, students, and educators are being directly impacted by the continued Israeli bombing with educational institutions coming under attack, leading to widespread closure of schools and universities.
EI member organisations in Lebanon [1] have reported dozens of teacher unionists killed, more than 80 wounded and thousands of others displaced from their homes. They explained that the numbers are still coming in, and that it is very hard to keep track as some areas do not have electricity or internet. Public education has shut down and hundreds of school facilities are now operating as shelters, with educators scrambling to find basic supplies, including water, blankets, and mats for displaced communities.
Education unions also report widespread fear and trauma due to the continuous bombing and attacks from Israel and Hezbollah. These military strikes have caused widespread casualties, mass displacement, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure, including health and educational facilities. An estimated 40% of Lebanon’s student population has been displaced due to the violence. Remote learning is proving to be unfeasible in the current conditions.
Education International has made an initial transfer of funds to its member organisations in Lebanon. This solidarity donation aims to complement ongoing UN humanitarian efforts, ensuring that teacher unions in Lebanon can continue to communicate and provide essential support to their members.
Education International has called for financial support from affiliates around the world to help their sister organisations in Lebanon in their efforts to assist teachers and students affected by the conflict. Staying in touch with their members is vital for member organisations but this is extremely difficult in such a critical situation. In a context of war, teacher organisations need extra support to be able to operate and provide exceptional support to their members. These contributions, small or big, represent the profound global commitment of our movement: Standing by teachers, supporting their wellbeing, protecting children, and strengthening unions.
EI will continue to provide regular updates on Solidarity in emergencies (ei-ie.org) regarding how solidarity assistance is used on the ground.
Calling for an urgent ceasefire
EI’s Lebanese affiliates have called for an immediate ceasefire and have asked for sister unions around the world to call on their governments to work towards an international mediated solution.
Education International has issued a statement on the situation in Lebanon reaffirming its longstanding commitment to advocating for the cessation of all hostilities, security, and the protection of human rights in the Middle East.
"Our members in Lebanon are working non-stop to keep students and communities safe amid Israeli bombing and escalating violence. We call for an immediate ceasefire. Members of EI around the world are standing in solidarity with them," stated EI General Secretary, David Edwards.
"Education International stands with teachers, students, and the people of Lebanon as they call for an end to war in their country and safe conditions to resume education,” he added. "Our members just want peace so they can reopen schools and teach their students without fear."
Education must be protected at all costs
EI reiterates that education must be protected at all costs, and all parties to the conflict must respect International Humanitarian Law, which prohibits attacks on schools. Access to education during times of conflict is a basic human right and key to building peace, promoting understanding and preventing further radicalisation.
"We have a clear mandate from our members to ensure that education builds peace. We advocate for peace and for a curriculum centered around coexistence and dialogue. As teachers we are working to put the world on a trajectory towards peace,” said EI President Mugwena Maluleke.
"Schools and education facilities should be respected as safe sanctuaries by all armed actors and never targets or war or violence," he added.
At the 10th EI World Congress, held from 29 July to 2 August in Buenos Aires, Argentina, education unions made a strong call for peace through a set of resolutions that define our position as a movement. A stable, peaceful, and secure Middle East is vital for the region and the world. Protecting education must be a priority.
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The League of Public Technical and Vocational Teachers (CETO), the Ligue des Professeurs de l'Enseignement Secondaire Public du Liban (LPESPL), the Ligue des Professeurs de l'Université Libanaise (LDP-UL), the Public Primary Schools Teachers League in Lebanon (PPSTLL), and the Teachers Syndicate of Lebanon (TSL).