Ei-iE

Considering that:

1. Almost all the leaders of the group of affiliated trade unions (umbrella) and teachers organisations are dismissed because of their activities in trade unions in 1995 and 1997;

2. Most of them have been victims of harsh police repression, repeated arrests and imprisonment for the same reasons; the serving leaders are harassed in their job.

3. In every international meeting, the government 'accredits' and puts up home-made trade unions used as an alibi to oppose the legitimate organisations

4. The government does not respect its commitment during reconciliation missions started up by international organisations like the ILO;

5. The government refuses any direct dialogue and recognition of free and independent tradeunions in the country;

6. This attitude of the government is a real obstacle to the development of an authentic trade unionism, which is a source of social progress, thus hindering the advancement of a democratic culture in the country.

The Fourth World Congress of Education International, meeting in Porto Alegre (Brazil) from 22 to 26 July 2004:

7. Condemns the Djiboutian government for its repeated violations of the ILO conventions (87 and 98) related to the exercise of union rights and to the United Nations' charter on Human Rights.

8. Demands that the government: a. Proceeds urgently to the professional reintegration with the pertinent rights of all the trade unionists (teachers and others), sanctioned due to their unionist activities.

b. Puts an end to the constraint upon the union right by respecting and recognising free and independent trade unions that are democratically set up and affiliated to international organisations like the ICFTU and the EI.

c. Starts a negotiation with these trade unions with the aim of providing them the opportunity to normalise their situation in the country.