Ei-iE

The 10th Education International (EI) World Congress, meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 29 July to 2 August 2024:

1. Recognising that the challenges facing Haiti are daunting. It is a country wounded by struggles for power, divisive politics, crime, climate change, financial greed, and the failure of its central government to deliver well-needed public services for its people;
2. Acknowledging that the transformation of Haiti rests ultimately in the hands of its own people creating a multi-party dialogue, and the election of a new government that delivers human rights, civil liberties, and equality. It must be a solution for Haitians, by Haitians. Teachers, and their unions, will remain on the frontlines to defend an education sector that will produce the next generation of citizens to safeguard and advance the Republic;
3. Noting that through years of civil strife, educators have been strong voices for the protection of the people: they have denounced the country’s episodes of violence against women girls; fought against the recruitment of schoolboys into criminal gangs; fought against the illegal trafficking in arms, drugs, and forced labour; and reached across political lines to oppose the growing polarization of society;
4. Knowing that the government has tried to intimidate teacher unions through such harassment as the sudden transfer of teaching personnel to distant and unfamiliar school districts. It has failed, because unions and their community allies have stood in resistance for what is right and fair. These personnel have been returned to their posts, but the fight continues for trade union rights and the right to organise;
5. Declaring that despite all the challenges facing Haiti, we remain resolutely positive in the power of educators and their unions in promoting democracy and social justice.

The 10th Education International World Congress:

6. Recognises that the humanitarian needs of this vital country remain great. EI will support efforts by international aid organisations, religious groups, its trade union network, and others in the donor community, to show humanitarian solidarity with the people of Haiti;
7. Commits to defending and promoting the teaching profession in Haiti, because we know the classroom is the vehicle through which people worldwide gain access to opportunity and freedom;
8. Calls on the government of Haiti to recognise the fundamental right of every child and, therefore, meet its duty for sufficient funding to ensure that schools have adequate resources for providing inclusive quality education in healthy and safe learning environments;
9. Urges EI member organisations to advocate that their governments work through their good offices to help guarantee in Haiti: security, stability, and the rule of law; respect for international labour standards, such as the right of freedom of association and collective bargaining; and decent working conditions for teachers and education support personnel.