Anonymous, female, university professor
Before the Taliban came to power, I was teaching in a school. Two months after they came to power, I could no longer teach.
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ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory
Education InternationalElevating and Amplifying the Voices of Afghan Teachers on the Global Stage
The Education International Afghan Teachers' Rights Observatory is a vital tool to shed light on the Taliban's repressive actions. It provides critical, real-time insights into abuses of teachers' rights and the wider climate of fear surrounding girls' education.
We salute teachers and their unions in these harsh circumstances, for their resilience, bravery and determination to continue to fight for the right to education in Afghanistan, especially for girls. We salute those teachers, both men and women, who continue to advocate for girls' and women's rights, despite the risks to their own lives. Their actions are inspirational!
Situation in Afghanistan
The Situation in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is going through a humanitarian catastrophe following the Taliban’s seizing of power on 15th August 2021. The financial freeze, the ban on schools, the closure of the borders, and continuous tackling and tracking of teachers, activists and human rights’ defenders in the country, has forced many to flee their beloved land for better living conditions and a peaceful future.
Read more about the situation in AfghanistanThe Observatory
ATRO mission and objectives
The aims and objectives of ATRO are to:
- Monitor, document, assess and report on the situation on the ground, including:
- Human, labour and trade union rights’ violations, with particular focus on gender equity
- Payment or non-payment of teachers’ salaries
- Restrictions on women teachers working in boys’ schools
- The safety and psycho-social well-being of women teachers
- Curriculum adherence to meeting SDG standards (inclusive, evidence based)
Education International
Who we are and what we stand for – our values
Education International (EI) is the Global Union Federation that brings together organisations of teachers and other education employees from across the world. Through our 383 (check if this number has changed) member organisations, we represent more than 32 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories. (need to get most up to date data from Duncan Smith)
Read more about Education InternationalTestimonies
Anonymous, Female Teacher
When the Emirate regime took over the country everything changed. Ministries closed, banks closed, public services were not available, schools were closed, business was paused, and universities also closed.
Read more Read moreAnonymous
Although the Taliban’s education minister had promised that Afghan teachers’ salaries would increase, there are many problems. The Taliban’s policy of not allowing male teachers to teach girls and female teachers to teach boys has made things worse.
Read more Read moreAnonymous, Male Teacher
Where the Taliban ruled, there were no schools at all, and if there were, only boys were allowed to go to school and girls were deprived.
Read more Read moreAnonymous, ex-teacher, female
Most of my family members are teachers, mother, sister, and brother. With the arrival of the Taliban, we lost our jobs.
Read more Read moreAnonymous, female teacher
As a teacher, I have seen many problems with my own eyes. In the republican system, my life and that of all female teachers was in danger. Teachers were threatened with death and acid was thrown on them.
Read more Read moreAnonymous, female secondary school teacher, union, and women’s rights activist
I am a former provincial leader of the National Teachers’ Elected Council. At the same time, I have been a women’s rights activist for a long time, advocating for girls’ education and participation of women in different organizations. Due to my engagement with teachers’ union and women’s rights activism, I was one of the most well-known people in my city which put me in imminent danger.
Read more Read moreAnonymous, female teacher
I remember when I became a teacher, I realized the decency of this job, I realized that my path in this life had been destined since childhood. I realized the love and affection and the passion that flowed from nowhere in my being and unknowingly came to me every day.
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Education International launches Afghan Teachers’ Rights Observatory to elevate the voice of teachers and defend the right to education
2023-02-16
The Observatory will gather data and testimonies on rights’ violations, amplify the voice of Afghan teachers, and work to restore girls’ right to education.
Read moreThe unseen struggle and challenges of Afghan teachers
2023-02-13
During the last four decades, Afghanistan has witnessed a series of destructive wars, and it is a fact that war causes deaths, destroys infrastructures, and severely impacts various aspects of people's lives. Throughout these times, Afghan teachers have always served the youth of the country, with honesty and dedication.
Read moreAfghanistan: International solidarity to face human and education rights violations
2022-06-17
International solidarity was reaffirmed at a webinar on Protecting the Right to Education of Girls in Afghanistan organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Unite the Union. Participants took stock of the educational and trade union situation in the country.
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