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Conference notes the mass demonstration of 400,000
on 28th September 2002 in opposition to the proposal to attack Iraq and calling
for Justice for the Palestinian people which was supported by many trade unions
including UNISON, TGWU, FBU, RMT and others. Conference calls upon the
Government to ensure that the promotion and defence of human rights underlie UK
Foreign Policy.
Conference reaffirms the resolution adopted at
Annual Conference of the Union in 2002 which called for the implementation of
United Nations resolutions concerning Palestine and the Annual Conference
resolution passed in 2001 opposing sanctions against Iraq.
Conference notes the double standards attached to
the implementation of UN resolutions with regard to Palestine and Iraq.
Conference instructs the Executive to ensure that:
1. the implementation of the existing policies of
the Union on Palestine and Iraq shall remain a priority;
2. the Union shall campaign for peace in the
Middle East on the basis of existing policies;
3. the Union shall carry publicity in “The
Teacher” about this policy and shall advise all members through “The
Teacher” of Conference policies;
4. the policies of the Union are conveyed in full
to the Government and the United States Embassy;
5. the policies of the Union are conveyed to the
TUC, Education International and all relevant bodies to which the Union is
affiliated;
6. the Union gives support to demonstrations and
initiatives which promote Union’s policy on Iraq and justice for the
Palestinian people; and
7. the Union sends a delegation to Palestine
consisting of Executive members and non-Executive members to produce a report
on the situation facing Palestinian teachers and students to report to
Conference 2004.
Conference expresses its profound concern about
proposals to attack Iraq.
Conference does not consider proposals to act
outside the framework of international law to be consistent with the values
teachers promote.
Conference fears for the lives and safety of the
people of Iraq, for teachers, the children they teach and their families, all
of whom have suffered and continue to suffer from the repressive policies of
the current regime in Iraq and, particularly in the case of children, as a
result of the sanctions imposed on Iraq. The Union calls upon Education
International to consider carefully the support that can be offered by EI and
its affiliates supportive of the teachers and students in all areas of Iraq and
for EI to make appropriate recommendations.
Conference notes that in late 2002 Education
International undertook a mission to meet with affiliates in Palestine and
Israel and that the Union played a prominent part.
Conference calls upon EI and its affiliates to
consider carefully the Mission’s recommendations.
Conference notes that the TUC is also to organise
a mission to the Middle East.
Conference believes that the Union could play a
valuable role in such a mission. |
