Resolution on the Situation in Algeria
The Third World Congress of Education International, meeting in Jomtien, Thailand, from 25 to 29 July, 2001:
1. Alarmed by the serious political and social situation in Algeria where the denial of civic liberties and democratic rights has been accompanied in the last few weeks by organised violence against young people and teachers, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 people. So far the government has ignored the social, political and cultural demands claims voiced in mass demonstrations;
2. Noting that this dramatic situation is fuelled by the incapacity of the government of using the country's wealth in the development, education and training of young people;
3. Urges the Algerian authorities to:
a. Put an end to repression, which can only aggravate the crisis;
b. Make every effort to bring about a democratic solution based on free debate, the rule of law, respect for cultural diversity, and the right to education and health care;
c. Enable the free exercise of basic civic liberties (freedom of association and expression and freedom to organise demonstrations);
d. Facilitate, without any restrictions, the activities of national and international human rights and trade union organisations;
4. Urges the international community to help Algeria overcome this serious crisis;
5. Wishes to express its solidarity with, and support for its member union in Algeria, the SATEF, which should be allowed to freely express its views, act and negotiate with the authorities everywhere in the country.
