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On this date, 10 December, Human Rights Day, EI pays tribute to educators around the world who fight for the right to live and work in dignity. These educators and their trade unions also fight for freedom of expression, assembly and association; the right to bargain collectively; and for all other democratic rights.

Today, education unions around the world also stand in solidarity with all those men and women showing commitment and courage to demand universal respect for fundamental rights, democracy and social justice worldwide.

A proud tradition In 1950, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day. The aim was to highlight and promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

In 1993, The Assembly then created the role of High Commissioner for the promotion and protection of all human rights. To mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, this year’s theme for Human Rights Day is: 20 Years Working for Your Rights.

EI: Education contributes to peace and democracy As the voice of the teaching profession in the international community, EI challenges every single abuse of teachers’ rights with the appropriate UN agencies. This year EI has undertook a number of high-level activities aiming at implementing trade union and human rights, i.e. in Bahrain, Korea, Swaziland and Turkey.

“Education is the key to uniting nations, bringing human beings closely together,” said EI’s general secretary, Fred van Leeuwen. “In many parts of the world, civil society suffers because of situations of violent conflicts and war. It is important to recognise the crucial role of education in contributing to building a culture of peace and condemning instances in which education is undermined in order to attack democracy and tolerance.”