The NEU calls for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned educators, an end to securitisation, and for the right to education to be guaranteed in Iran.
The National Education Union stands in solidarity with teachers, students and trade unionists in Iran on its National Teachers’ Day. We recognise the profound challenges Iran’s education community faces, including ongoing repression, violence and the erosion of education as a universal public good.
For years, teachers in Iran have faced detention, interrogation, and relentless security pressures. We are particularly concerned for imprisoned trade unionists, including Reza Amanifar and Asghar Hajeb, and call for their immediate and unconditional release. The targeting of teacher union activists is an attack on the basic principles of freedom of association and expression, which must be upheld everywhere.
We are also concerned about trends of growing inequality in education, with reports of increasing stratification. Education is a fundamental right, and all children must be guaranteed access to free, equal and quality education.
The pressures facing teachers and learners have only intensified amidst war and wider abuses of international law. We reiterate our condemnation of military attacks on Iran that have killed hundreds of civilians, including children.
We mourn the loss of educators and young people whose lives have been cut short by conflict and we condemn all violence directed at those exercising their fundamental rights. Teachers must be free to teach, organise and advocate for their students without fear of persecution.
The NEU commends the courage and resilience of Iranian teachers who continue to defend education, dignity and justice under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. The NEU affirms its commitment to international solidarity and calls on governments and global institutions to act in support of educators and students in Iran, and to defend human rights.