Press Release: International Day for Education

Children in classroom with food

On the 24th of January, the world celebrates the importance of education for peace and development with the International Day of Education. In light of this celebration, Broken Chalk reiterates the importance of education as a human right, and reaffirms its mission to address human rights violations in the educational field today. 

UNESCO has declared the theme for this year ”Learning for Lasting Peace” and is dedicating this year’s International Day of Education to the crucial role education and teachers play in countering hate speech. Education is a powerful tool that has the potential to influence future societies. If inclusive and of quality, it promotes understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among individuals and communities.

Today, a staggering 250 million children and youth find themselves out of school, while 763 million adults grapple with illiteracy. Access to education is highly unequal, meaning not every child has the same opportunity for development. Broken Chalk deems this situation unacceptable, recognizing that the right to education is being violated on a massive scale.

Broken Chalk reiterates its commitment towards Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG4), in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. Considering the theme of International Day of Education 2024, “Learning for Lasting Peace”, Broken Chalk recognises that the worryingly high number of international conflicts in the last year has detrimentally affected the ability of people to access equitable and quality education. Broken Chalk calls for all stakeholders to do their utmost to focus on peaceful resolutions and policies in order to allow for greater educational accessibility and peace for students around the world.

On this International Day of Education, it is essential to recognise the importance of teachers for their role in the journey towards inclusive and equitable education. Regrettably, there is a growing shortage of teachers across the world, significantly impacting educational access and quality. Broken Chalk commits to continuing its practice of publishing “Educational Challenges” articles. Broken Chalk hopes that these articles will bring to light the difficulties teachers and other stakeholders face in their respective countries. By ensuring that the narrative around education development is broadened to include the perspectives and challenges of teachers, Broken Chalk believes that there will be more significant progress towards achieving universal education accessibility, quality and equity.

In addition to its ongoing efforts, Broken Chalk will publish several articles in celebration of the International Day of Education. Broken Chalk will continue to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, address human rights violations in education, and drive action to achieve quality education for all. 

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed,

Broken Chalk

Broken Chalk Condemns Escalation in Lebanon, Urges Protection of Children

Panashe ML Mlambo and The Journalism Department.

Broken Chalk Condemns Escalation in Lebanon, Urges Protection of Children. Broken Chalk, an organisation dedicated to improving access to education, is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and its devastating impact on children.Thousands of innocent civilians have been displaced, and children are bearing the brunt of the conflict. The recent attack has resulted in the tragic loss of young lives and left countless children traumatised.Broken Chalk emphasises the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and calls upon all parties involved to prioritise the protection of children. The psychological well-being of children is being severely compromised, and the uncertainty surrounding school openings due to the ongoing bombing is causing further distress.Broken Chalk appeals to the international community to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of Lebanese children. Humanitarian aid must be provided to support displaced families and address the urgent needs of children, including access to education, healthcare, and mental health services.

Research and Journalism Department

Email: research@brokenchalk.org

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Broken Chalk’s Press Release on concerns regarding the proposed amendments to Iraqi personal status law No. 188 of 1959.

Panashe Mlambo and The Journalism Department.

Broken Chalk is deeply concerned about the proposed amendments to the Iraqi Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959 and appeals to the government to safeguard the interests of children. If enacted, these amendments would pose a significant threat to the rights of women and children in Iraq.The proposed changes aim to reinstate religious laws over the current constitutional laws that govern Iraq. A particularly alarming aspect of this proposal is that it would allow for the legal marriage of girls to be 9 years and boys 15 years. Currently, Iraqi law prohibits marriage under the age of 18, ensuring a level of protection for children.The enactment of this proposal would have far-reaching consequences, not only economically and politically but also in terms of education. Every child has the right to education and to be treated as a child. As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Iraq is obligated to protect the interests of its children. This proposal represents a serious deviation from Iraq’s commitments under the UN Convention and would likely result in grave human rights violations.Research has consistently shown that child marriages reduce educational opportunities, increase school dropout rates, and restrict the freedom of children. Moreover, this law would likely exacerbate gender-based violence and further diminish accountability for perpetrators who target children.Broken Chalk strongly urges the Iraqi government to safeguard the interests of children and to protect their childhood and freedom by rejecting this harmful proposal.

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Broken Chalk’s Press Release on concerns regarding the proposed amendments to Iraqi personal status law No. 188 of 1959.

Panashe Mlambo and The Journalism Department.

Broken Chalk is deeply concerned about the proposed amendments to the Iraqi Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959 and appeals to the government to safeguard the interests of children. If enacted, these amendments would pose a significant threat to the rights of women and children in Iraq.The proposed changes aim to reinstate religious laws over the current constitutional laws that govern Iraq. A particularly alarming aspect of this proposal is that it would allow for the legal marriage of girls to be 9 years and boys 15 years. Currently, Iraqi law prohibits marriage under the age of 18, ensuring a level of protection for children.The enactment of this proposal would have far-reaching consequences, not only economically and politically but also in terms of education. Every child has the right to education and to be treated as a child. As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Iraq is obligated to protect the interests of its children. This proposal represents a serious deviation from Iraq’s commitments under the UN Convention and would likely result in grave human rights violations.Research has consistently shown that child marriages reduce educational opportunities, increase school dropout rates, and restrict the freedom of children. Moreover, this law would likely exacerbate gender-based violence and further diminish accountability for perpetrators who target children.Broken Chalk strongly urges the Iraqi government to safeguard the interests of children and to protect their childhood and freedom by rejecting this harmful proposal.

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Broken Chalk’s Press Release on World Refugee Day 

Mamta Rao, Rieke Lahrsen

Every year on June 20th, the world comes together to commemorate World Refugee Day – a day to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and celebrate their courage, resilience, and contributions to societies around the globe. It is a day marked by various events hosted globally that are organized by or include participation of refugees, government officials and inclusive communities.

This year’s theme is “Hope away from home”, emphasizing the importance of enabling refugees to pursue education, employment and healthy living in their place of refuge. Inclusion stands at the forefront as the most effective way to help refugees not only rebuild their own lives, but also contribute to their new communities and place of safety.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are currently over 100 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced persons. These individuals have been uprooted from their homes due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, and increasingly, the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

The journey of a refugee is one marked by unimaginable hardship, loss, and trauma. They have fled their homelands in search of safety, leaving behind everything they once knew and loved. Yet, in the face of such adversity, refugees continue to demonstrate an extraordinary capacity for resilience and hope.

World Refugee Day is an opportunity to honor this resilience and to remind ourselves of our shared responsibility to support and protect those seeking refuge. It is a day to amplify the voices of refugees, to listen to their stories, and to recognize the immense contributions they make to host communities.

Refugees bring with them a wealth of skills, knowledge, and cultural diversity that enriches the societies in which they settle. They are entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and community leaders, whose determination and perseverance inspire us all.

On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of refugees. Let us advocate for policies that promote their inclusion and integration, and work towards creating a more just and compassionate world where no one is forced to flee their home.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference this June 20th and beyond:

Educate yourself and others: read, listen and learn about the refugee crisis and how it impacted innocent lives worldwide

Support refugee organizations: donate or volunteer your time and energy to help refugees through organizations such as UNHCR, IOM, IRAP or local assistance groups

Advocate in your community: advocate for policy changes through local engagement, support refugee-owned businesses, participate in awareness campaigns or engage with schools to integrate refugee issues into their curricula

Spread positive stories: success stories and positive personal experiences of individuals can highlight the resilience of these strong individuals and fight the negative stereotypes portrayed in the media!

Remember, refugees are not just statistics; they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters seeking a better life and a haven. Their stories remind us of our shared humanity and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Together, we can build a world where refugees are welcomed, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives and thrive.

References

International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Written by Astrid Euwe Wyss and Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo 

On 18 June, the world observes the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 75/309 on 21 July 2021.1 This day serves as a global call to action to combat hate speech in all its forms, fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding. 

The principles enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights emphasize that “Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference” and “Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law.” Broken Chalk stands firmly behind these ideals, advocating for educational environments where respect, tolerance, and mutual understanding are promoted. 

Educational institutions are critical arenas for fostering values of respect and tolerance. However, many regions around the world still struggle with the harmful effects of hate speech, which can create hostile learning environments and impede students’ educational progress.2 Broken Chalk’s efforts focus on raising awareness about these challenges and urging the international community to implement effective strategies to counter hate speech. As an international organization, Broken Chalk remains steadfast in its mission to achieve both local and global perspectives in its advocacy efforts. Through collaborative action and collective engagement, we strive to create a world where every individual has access to quality education in a peaceful, inclusive, and respectful environment. Our press releases, monitoring articles, and UN-UPR submissions are all the strides we have take to address the gaps in education and challenges affecting individuals in the educational sphere.  

“Our work is driven by a commitment to fostering respect and understanding in education. On this International Day for Countering Hate Speech, we urge governments and stakeholders to the UN to prioritize the fight against hate speech in education and to take decisive action to address systemic issues.” is a sentiment that is agreed by the Broken Chalk representatives.  

As an international organization, Broken Chalk remains steadfast in its mission to achieve both local and global perspectives in its advocacy efforts. Through collaborative action and collective engagement, we strive to create a world where every individual has access to quality education in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. 

Broken Chalk’s World Day Against Child Labour Press Release 

Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo, Mamta Rao  

World Day Against Child Labour, annually on June 12th, was first launched in 2002 by the ILO to raise awareness and foster activism aimed at preventing child labour. This day brings together governments, local authorities, civil society, international organizations, workers, and employers to highlight the issue of child labour and to define effective strategies for its elimination.1 Despite progress over the past two decades, conflicts, economic crises, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have reversed many of these gains, making it more critical than ever to renew global efforts against child labour.2 

Broken Chalk, an Amsterdam-based non-governmental organisation committed to addressing human rights violations in the education sector, joins this global call to action. Our organisation, established in October 2020, is dedicated to removing obstacles to education, promoting peace and tolerance through intercultural understanding, preventing radicalism and polarisation, and eliminating educational opportunity gaps across various demographics.3 

Our extensive research and advocacy work reveal that child labour can indeed be eliminated if its root causes are addressed. Economic disparities, lack of access to quality education, and systemic injustices are the primary drivers that push children into labour. More than ever, it is urgent for all of us to contribute to bringing solutions to people’s daily problems, and child labour is – possibly – the most visible of these problems. 

We call for a renewed global commitment to social justice, with the elimination of child labour as a central focus. This involves leveraging the Global Coalition for Social Justice to drive initiatives that address the socio-economic factors contributing to child labour. 

 We urge all nations to ratify ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age. Combined with the universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour achieved in 2020, this would provide comprehensive legal protection for children against all forms of child labour.4 

Regions like Africa and Asia-Pacific bear the brunt of this issue, with Africa having the highest percentage of children in child labour (one-fifth) and the highest absolute number (72 million). Asia and the Pacific follow with 7% of all children and 62 million in absolute terms in child labour. Together, these regions account for nearly nine out of every ten children in child labour worldwide.4 

This year, the focus is on accelerating progress towards achieving Target 8.7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to eradicate child labour in all its forms by 2025. By focusing on Key areas of action—legislative reforms, education, decent work for adults, social protection, and public advocacy—we can create a comprehensive strategy to eliminate child labour and build a brighter future for all children.6 

Let us renew our commitment to ending this grave violation of children’s rights. By uniting our efforts, we can build a future where every child enjoys their right to a childhood free from labour and filled with opportunities for education, growth, and development. 

“Our work is driven by a commitment to fostering respect and understanding in education. On this World Day Against Child Labour, we urge governments and stakeholders to the UN to prioritize the fight against child labour in education and to take decisive action to address systemic issues,” said a representative from Broken Chalk. 

As an international organization, Broken Chalk remains steadfast in its mission to achieve both local and global perspectives in its advocacy efforts. Through collaborative action and collective engagement, we strive to create a world where every individual has access to quality education in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. 

References

International Day of Living Together in Peace – May 16th

Written by Astrid Euwe Wyss and Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo 

On 16 May, the world celebrates the International Day of Living Together in Peace, established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 72/130 on 8 December 2017.1 This day calls upon individuals and communities globally to unite in the spirit of peace, understanding, and cooperation, fostering an environment where differences are respected and harmony is pursued. 

Broken Chalk, a dedicated advocate for educational rights and human rights, proudly reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace and understanding in educational settings worldwide. Our organization tirelessly engages with international bodies, governments, and key stakeholders to champion the cause of living together in peace, particularly within the education sector.2 

The essence of the International Day of Living Together in Peace aligns seamlessly with the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, “Everyone has the right to education” and “Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”3 Broken Chalk stands firmly behind these ideals, advocating for educational environments where peace, tolerance, and mutual respect are paramount. 

Broken Chalk recognizes the urgent need to bridge this gap and ensure that educational laws worldwide promote peace and non-discrimination. By advocating for stronger legal frameworks and inclusive policies, we aim to uphold the fundamental right to education for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

“Our work is driven by a commitment to fostering peace and understanding in education. On this International Day of Living Together in Peace, we urge governments and stakeholders to prioritize the promotion of peace in education and to take decisive action to address systemic inequalities and conflicts.” – Broken Chalk representatives.  

As an international organization, Broken Chalk remains steadfast in its mission to achieve both local and global perspectives in its advocacy efforts. Through collaborative action and collective engagement, we strive to create a world where every individual has access to quality education in a peaceful, inclusive, and respectful environment and continue to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity. 

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Written by Gianna Chen and Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo

Established by UN General Assembly resolution 2142 (XXI) on 26 October 1966, 21 March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.1 On this significant occasion, Broken Chalk reaffirms its unwavering commitment to tackling educational challenges and addressing human rights violations in the education sector worldwide.

As a dedicated advocate, Broken Chalk tirelessly engages with international organizations, governments, and stakeholders to drive action on behalf of educational victims. Through extensive advocacy and lobbying efforts, the organization aims to shed light on often-overlooked aspects of human rights violations in education, urging the international community to take decisive action.

According to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, “All human beings are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law against any discrimination and any incitement to discrimination”2. Broken Chalk stands firmly with this statement and further advocates for eliminating racial discrimination in the education sector. Racial discrimination within the education system has largely impacted the fundamental aspects of learning environments, including gender bias, disability exclusion, ethnic minority segregation, and socioeconomic disparities3. One of the critical initiatives undertaken by Broken Chalk involves the diligent work of volunteers and interns stationed remotely across the globe. Their efforts focus on preparing comprehensive reports for international organizations, stakeholders, and governments. These reports serve to highlight instances of human rights violations in education, particularly in areas affected by conflict, where access to education is hindered, and civilian lives are endangered.4

The disparity between constitutional provisions and educational laws within the European Union (EU) is a matter of grave concern. While all EU member states prohibit direct and indirect racial discrimination in their national constitutions, the majority do not sufficiently address these issues in their education laws5. Shockingly, only nine states out of 28 prohibit direct racial discrimination, while only seven prohibit indirect racial discrimination in their educational legislation.6 Furthermore, harassment is explicitly refused in education laws in merely six states.

Broken Chalk recognizes the urgent need for action to bridge this gap and ensure equality and non-discrimination in education across all EU member states. By advocating for stronger legal frameworks and policies, the organization aims to uphold the fundamental right to education for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.

“Our work is driven by a commitment to promoting equality and justice in education. On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we urge governments and stakeholders to prioritize the protection of human rights in education and take decisive action to address systemic inequalities.”

As an international organization, Broken Chalk remains steadfast in its mission to achieve a local and global perspective in its advocacy efforts. Through collaborative action and collective engagement, the organization strives to create a world where every individual has access to quality education, free from discrimination and injustice.

Featured image designed by Marie Louise

1https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/004/45/pdf/nr000445.pdf?token=c7hlL3w235MsHb0oCK&fe=true

2 https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-elimination-all-forms-racial

3 https://brokenchalk.org/world-education-report-2023/

4 https://brokenchalk.org/about-us/

5 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745691/EPRS_BRI(2023)745691_EN.pdf

6 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_07_257

Press Release: International Cyber Censorship Day 2024

12th March 2024

Some governments use cyber censorship to suppress the right to freedom of speech.

Cyber Censorship is an emergent issue that is evident to this day. Cyber Censorship can be identified as the control or suppression of what can be accessed, published, or viewed online. It can be practised in different forms by governments, organisations, or even individuals who try to restrict access to content, especially on the Internet. Until now, governments still practice cyber censorship; some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, practice cyber censorship regarding religion, as many websites or content that is considered offensive to the Islamic region is removed. Countries like China and Iran ban access to social media and practice high censorship policies to detect and block any information regarding the regime[1]. In some ways, Cyber Censorship is being used to allow the internet to be a safer platform for children, reduce racism, or reduce radical ideologies; however, currently, cyber censorship has taken a darker turn as governments use it as a tool to suppress individuals and rights of freedom of speech.

            In research done by the Freedom House 2023, the top 10 countries with the worst internet Censorship were China, Myanmar, Iran, Cuba, Vietnam, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and lastly, Eygpt.  These countries typically block websites and apps that can lead to political change or Western propaganda. Chinese internet censors are known to monitor what individuals say and post, and many countries on the list above practice the same methods. This raises the alarming idea of an invasion of privacy and violating the fundamental human rights amendments of freedom of speech. Common reasons why governments would invoke such measures are Fear of criticism towards governments, accessing information that could inspire people to act out against the

Government, or even using the internet to coordinate events such as the Arab Spring Revolution[2].

Interestingly, research conducted by Cherry & Michigan Engineering (2020) has shown that cyber censorship is increasingly spreading in world democracies such as Norway, Japan, Italy, India, and Poland. However, it was not as aggressive as China’s policies on its citizens. Yet, it is essential to shed light on all sorts of censorship and critically analyse the root or the reason for it. In June 2019, Poland experienced a series of protests, and coincidentally, there was a spike in censorship regarding social media websites and Human Rights Watch streams. Similarly, in Japan, when the G20 Summit occurred in 2019, citizens experienced censorship with a few networks. This research concluded that when there is a high-importance political event, social unrest, or new laws, there is a spike or an increasing trend with cyber censorship[3].

Adding on the above, in the current genocide that Palestinians are facing, there has been much news and evidence of Cyber Censorship that is being practised not only by complicit countries but also by social media organisations such as Meta. Many users of Instagram have been reporting that they are either shadow-banned on their stories or cannot share their posts because they get automatically deleted. Even authors, activists, journalists, and filmmakers were automatically hidden or even had their content deleted if they mentioned Palestine within their content. This is not a phenomenon that was only seen on social media. Also, the Western government tried to censor and apply propaganda when dealing with this genocide[4]. Palestinians and other world citizens are concerned, as these violations are clear and direct restrictions on their freedom of expression, access to information, freedom of assembly, and political participation.

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed by

Broken Chalk

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[1] Vojinovic, I. (2023, May 6). Internet Censorship: Definition, Types, & How It Can Affect You. Sirisha. https://dataprot.net/articles/what-is-internet-censorship/

[2]  World Population Review. (2024). Countries That Censor The Internet 2024. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-censor-the-internet

[3] Cherry, G. & Michigan Engieering. (2020). “Extremely Agressive” Internet Censorship Spreads in the World’s Democracies. https://news.umich.edu/extremely-aggressive-internet-censorship-spreads-in-the-worlds-democracies/

[4] Shankar, P., Dixit, P., & Siddiqui, U. (2023, October 27). Are social media giants censoring pro-Palestine voices amid Israel’s war? Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/24/shadowbanning-are-social-media-giants-censoring-pro-palestine-voices