The NEU, Britain teaching union, condemns state violence against educators in Iran

H.E. Mr Mohsen Baharvand 09 May 2022
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
16 Princes Gate
LONDON
SW7 1PT
Email: iranemb.lon@mfa.gov.ir

Dear Ambassador,
As the joint general secretaries of the National Education Union (UK), we write to express our deep concern about the treatment of teachers in Iran.
We are particularly concerned by scores of teachers being arrested, imprisoned, and arbitrarily detained for demanding a better education system and improved conditions of service. The authorities should immediately and unconditionally release teachers detained for engaging in peaceful protests and labour organisation.
In recent weeks Iranian authorities have arrested at least 38 teachers and at least 17 are still detained. This includes the arrest of prominent members of the ITTA on spurious charges, including Rasoul Bodaghi, Latif Roozikhah, and Jafar Ebrahimi.
Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and article 8 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) protect the right to form and join labour unions. Iran is a party to both treaties.
The NEU joins the calls on the Iranian authorities to:

  1. Immediately release all imprisoned teacher trade unionists and activists
  2. Stop the repression, arrests, and dismissals of teachers and union activists
  3. Recognise teachers’ right to hold free protests without repression, arrest,
    or intimidation
  4. Meet the key demands of teachers, including on pay, pensions, and status
  5. Uphold commitments made in the ICCPR and ICESCR

Yours sincerely,

Mary Bousted          Kevin Courtney
Joint General Secretary      Joint General Secretary

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