The NEU condemns the ongoing military attacks on Iran that are destroying civilian infrastructure, displacing communities, threatening the right to education and deepening humanitarian suffering across the region.
We further condemn the wider escalation of the conflict across the Middle East, threatening lives, infrastructure, homes, school, hospitals and ultimately people’s livelihoods.
The NEU is particularly concerned at the impact on children, young people and educators. Schools have been damaged, closed or rendered unsafe – removing students’ right to education and placing educators and trade unionists at risk. The reckless destruction of education infrastructure is a direct attack on children throughout the region.
The targeting and damage of essential infrastructure, including energy systems, transport networks, water, hospitals and schools, is having devastating consequences throughout the Middle East. Access to clean water, healthcare, electricity and transport is being severely disrupted, leaving communities increasingly vulnerable.
Families are being forced from their homes, basic services are collapsing and communities are being pushed into crisis conditions and without the means to recover or rebuild. These attacks are unacceptable and must cease.
We call on the UK Government and international community to press for urgent de-escalation, protection of essential services, and full respect for international humanitarian law.
We stand in solidarity with educators, students, trade unionists and communities whose lives, livelihoods and essential services are being destroyed by this conflict.