Ei-iE

The 7th Education International (EI) World Congress meeting in Ottawa, Canada, from 21nd to 26th July 2015:

Notes:

1. That extremism, fuelled by ethnic and religious sectarianism and hatred, is one of the most urgent and serious security issues facing governments;

2. That extremists have targeted, killed, injured and kidnapped many thousands of students, teachers and education support personnel in deliberate attacks that have targeted schools;

3. That extremism represents one of the most serious barriers to universal quality education, human rights and freedom.

Further notes:

4. That education is key to tackling extremism in all its forms;

5. That individuals who are denied education, including those who cannot read or write, are easier to control and be manipulated by those with extremist views;

6. That attacks by extremists have been used to justify attacks on ethnic and religious minorities, including the increased incidence of Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism;

7. That nationalist politics and anti-immigration rhetoric are characteristics of increasingly divided societies where the presence and rights of minorities are violated.

Believes:

8. That education is a fundamental human right and a key building block for a democratic and inclusive society;

9. That education is essential to restoring normality in conflict situations and in uniting communities in the aftermath of extremist attacks;

10. That educational inclusion is essential in the fight against extremism;

11. That education trade unions can and must play an important role in resisting the spread of sectarianism and hatred;

12. That tackling extremism requires concerted efforts, nationally and internationally, emphasizing inclusive education for all as an important preventive measure which promotes citizenship, strengthens critical thinking and teaches to understand and accept differences of opinion, conviction and belief while respecting the rule of law, diversity and equality

13. That the contribution of teachers and education support personnel in the fight against extremism should be recognised and valued, and that it is essential that the human rights of education workers are respected;

14. That governments should act to promote universal values of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and freedom of association and ethical foreign policies as key pillars in the fight against extremism.

Resolves:

15. To support member organisations in calling upon national governments in the fight against extremism, discrimination and inequality;

16. To continue to assist member organisations in defending freedom of speech and freedom of association, including respect for trade union rights;

17. To ensure that Education International continues to demonstrate its commitment to equality and diversity and its opposition to exclusion and extremism in all its forms;

18. To develop and identify from EI affiliates, NGOs and partners tools and resources to educate teachers and students in challenging extremism and advocating for equality, diversity and democracy.