| |
Back to Index
This article participates on the following special index pages:
Post-election violence 2008 - Index of articles & images
Letter
to Mr Robert Mugabe
Education
International
May 15, 2008
I write to
you on behalf of Education International (EI), the Global Union
Federation of education unions, to express EI's condemnation of
the beating and arrest of dozens of teachers in the aftermath of
the 29 March presidential election.
EI is concerned by the political violence targeting
teachers, students and education communities allegedly perpetrated
by security forces, youth militias, war veterans and gangs of supporters
of both the ruling ZANU-PF party and the MDC.
EI has been informed that so far at least 250 schools in 23 districts
throughout the country have been affected by some forms of violence
in the period between 3 and 9 May. Hate against teachers is being
propagated and according to our sources, in some instances teachers
have been beaten in front of pupils and community members. Sixty
seven teachers have been hospitalised in Harare, Kotwa, Karoi, Rusape,
Bonda, Howard, Guruve, Marondera and other clinics; 139 teachers
had to flee their schools; 213 teachers' houses have been
looted. An undisclosed number of teachers have fled into neighbouring
countries and are likely not to return. EI continues to collect
facts.
EI strongly condemns these attacks and supports the resolution adopted
by its affiliate, ZIMTA condemning the violence affecting teachers
and asking protection for affected teachers to make sure there is
no disruption of teaching and learning programmes.
In addition, EI has been informed by the International Trade Union
Confederation (ITUC) of the detention of the President and General
Secretary of the Zimbabwe
Congress of Trade Unions in connection with speeches made on
May Day.
EI condemns such blatant violation of basic human and trade union
rights and urges the authorities of Zimbabwe to ensure, in all circumstances,
respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. EI also urges
respect for the physical integrity of all citizens, in accordance
with international human rights standards and international instruments
ratified by Zimbabwe.
Sincerely yours,
Fred van Leeuwen
General Secretary
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
TOP
|
