Ei-iE

Democracy

Democracy is vital to healthy societies and critical to ensuring all human rights are respected. Essential as it is, democracy is not irreversible. In recent years, even established democracies have witnessed the rise of authoritarianism that threatens to tear the very fabric of our communities.

Defending and advancing democracy is central to the purpose of the trade union movement in education. The right to education, trade union rights and freedom of expression are critical enabling rights that help to leverage other rights. Together with our member organisations, we mobilise in support of democracy through trade union action and through education.

If we want democracy, we have to demand it, and we have to be able to educate children who will make and remake it.

Timothy Snyder

We believe that the strongest safeguard of democracy is quality education with trained and supported teachers who enjoy full professional autonomy. Some of the profession’s collective wisdom was brought together in “On Education and Democracy: 25 Lessons from the Teaching Profession”. Authored by our President, Susan Hopgood, and our General Secretary Emeritus, Fred van Leeuwen, the book serves as an invitation to all educators to take a stand in defence of democracy and to consider contributions that teachers, schools, universities, and representative organisations can make to solidify and progress democratic life.

Our work in this area

  1. News 13 May 2024

    Development cooperation and the push for privatization of education in Latin America: A view from the front lines

    The Director of the Education International Latin America (EILA) regional office, Combertty Rodríguez, offered a detailed analysis of the growing trend towards the privatization of education in Latin America, revealing the complexities and challenges facing education unionists and public education systems amidst political, economic, and social pressures. He was adamant...

    Development cooperation and the push for privatization of education in Latin America: A view from the front lines
  2. News 26 April 2024

    Argentina marches for public education

    Thousands of people across Argentina rallied in defence of a fundamental pillar of their education system: public universities. Faced with a drastic budget cut of 70 percent and inflation of around 300 percent, the country’s public universities are in serious financial trouble.

    Argentina marches for public education
  3. News 26 April 2024

    Haiti: Education keeps hope alive amidst the chaos

    Whilst the country goes through a deep, multifaceted crisis, teachers continue their fight to ensure education once again becomes a priority; a prerequisite for reestablishing lasting peace and prosperity in Haiti.

    Haiti: Education keeps hope alive amidst the chaos
  4. News 28 March 2024

    Palestine: Unionists call for an end to the war amid catastrophic conditions

    “After 173 days of the war on Gaza, more than 32,414 people have been killed, more than 74,787 wounded, and more than 10,000 are missing...More than 5,826 students and 264 teachers have been killed, and 9,570 students and 960 teachers are trying to recover from their injuries." This is the...

    Palestine: Unionists call for an end to the war amid catastrophic conditions
  5. News 25 March 2024

    Afghanistan: Survey provides meaningful insights into the experiences of teachers and students under the Taliban regime

    Education International (EI) hosted a union side event at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) to highlight the plight of girls and women teachers in Afghanistan who have been forbidden from going to school and teaching since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

    Afghanistan: Survey provides meaningful insights into the experiences of teachers and students under the Taliban regime
  6. News 25 March 2024

    Unwavering solidarity with teachers and students in Ukraine

    “749 days our brothers and sisters have been living under bombardments, shelling, and attacks. This is their reality. Our solidarity is unwavering because theirs is a fight for democracy and freedom which are at the core of who we are as education trade unions,” stated David Edwards, Education International General...

    Unwavering solidarity with teachers and students in Ukraine
  7. News 21 March 2024

    Myanmar: Teachers and unionists take great risks to resist military rule and keep hope alive for democracy

    Unionists, public sector workers and, teachers, continue to actively resist military rule and work for democracy, despite facing incredible hardship and repression by the military junta in Myanmar. To highlight the resilience of union opposition to Myanmar's military leadership, several Global Union Federations, including Education International, released a report on...

    Myanmar: Teachers and unionists take great risks to resist military rule and keep hope alive for democracy
  8. News 28 February 2024

    Iran: Education International demands the unconditional release of teacher unionists

    Education International renewed its call for the release of imprisoned teachers and unionists in Iran and asked for the International Labour Organization (ILO) to follow up on the issue in a recent meeting with the Director General, Gilbert Houngbo in Geneva.

    Iran: Education International demands the unconditional release of teacher unionists
  9. News 5 February 2024

    President Lula receives Education International delegation to discuss public education

    A delegation made up of representatives from Education International (EI) and our affiliate in Brazil, the CNTE, was received on Monday 29 January by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The meeting took place on the second day of Brazil’s National Education Conference, held in Brasilia from 28 January to...

    President Lula receives Education International delegation to discuss public education
  10. Statements 31 January 2024

    Palestine: Global Unions Call for Unified Action Following ICJ Ruling on Gaza Genocide Case

    Statement by the Council of Global Unions

    The Global Unions signatory below note the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Order issued in the case filed by South Africa against Israel regarding the application of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip, which demonstrates the vital importance of the international rule of law and effective enforcement.

    Palestine: Global Unions Call for Unified Action Following ICJ Ruling on Gaza Genocide Case
  11. News 26 January 2024

    Educators ready to play an active role in transforming education in North America and the Caribbean

    “Our activities here together these next few days are varied, but our purpose is fundamental – to reflect and learn from each other and to plan ways to encourage our members to play an active role in transforming education across this vast and varied region.” This was the call by...

    Educators ready to play an active role in transforming education in North America and the Caribbean
  12. Statements 15 January 2024

    Education International's Executive Board stands with teachers and unionists fighting for democracy in Argentina

    The Executive Board of Education International, meeting online on 11 January, expressed unwavering support and solidarity with the teachers, unionists, and the people of Argentina defending democracy in the face of repressive measures proposed by the new government.

    Education International's Executive Board stands with teachers and unionists fighting for democracy in Argentina
  13. News 15 January 2024

    Argentina: Education International stands with teachers and unionists fighting for democracy

    President Javier Milei’s Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) is an attack on democracy and labour rights in Argentina. Education International has been in close contact with its affiliates in Argentina, supporting the opposition to this attempt to undo the historical gains made by the Argentinean people.

    Argentina: Education International stands with teachers and unionists fighting for democracy
  14. News 22 December 2023

    2023, a year of mobilisation and solidarity

    A message from Education International General Secretary David Edwards to education unionists around the world and a renewed commitment to solidarity, peace, and democracy in 2024.

    2023, a year of mobilisation and solidarity
  15. News 21 December 2023

    International solidarity in the face of regressive actions by the government of Argentina

    The Education International Regional Committee for Latin America (IEAL) has expressed concern regarding the recent decision taken by the Government of the Republic of Argentina, under resolution 943/2023 of the Security Ministry. This measure restricts the right to social protest, freedom of speech, and restricts people’s ability to exercise their...

    International solidarity in the face of regressive actions by the government of Argentina
  16. Worlds of Education 18 December 2023

    Education Voices: The current situation in Argentina and a renewed commitment to Go Public! Fund Education

    Roberto Baradel is a teacher and deputy general secretary of the Confederation of Education Workers of Argentina (CTERA). He is also a member of the Confederation of Argentinian Educators (CEA). A tireless advocate for public education and union rights, Baradel is a prominent figure in the fight for education justice...

    Education Voices: The current situation in Argentina and a renewed commitment to Go Public! Fund Education