Press Release: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Unmasking Modern-Day Slavery in Congo and Sudan

December 2, 2023

The world we live in is adorned with technological marvels that can disguise a terrifying reality—the pervasive existence of modern-day slavery. This press release, “Deceptive Abolition,” exposes the complexities of exploitation in the global supply chain and the haunting echoes of Sudan’s history, challenging the soothing idea of liberation.

As Broken Chalk marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, this press release challenges the notion of liberation, revealing the complex web of exploitation in global supply chains and the echoes of Sudan’s past. The fight against slavery, it seems, is far from over.

Often, gold mines in the Congo are filled with child miners such as Patrice, 15, who started working at this mine when he was only eight years old. Photo by Image Journeys Sasha Lezhnev on Flickr.

Deceptive Abolition: A Closer Look at Congo’s Lithium Mines

Congo’s lithium mines, crucial contributors to the tech sector, have sadly become hotspots for severe human rights violations. The insatiable global demand for smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage has birthed an exploitative system, forcing individuals into unsafe conditions for meagre remuneration.

The lithium mining process is fraught with peril. Miners, often children, toil in confined and hazardous environments, exposed to toxic chemicals without adequate protection. Reports of child labour, abysmal working conditions, and lack of basic utilities contrast starkly with the illusion of a slavery-free society. The prevalence of slavery in the lithium sector goes beyond ignorance; profit-driven corporations willingly turn a blind eye to the human cost, hiding behind the complexity of global networks.

Congo’s Role in iPhone Production: Unveiling Mass Human Rights Violations

Digging beneath Congo’s surface reveals an abundant lithium source, a critical component in the lithium-ion batteries powering iPhones. As consumers revel in sleek design and advanced functionality, how often do we ponder the human cost? The interconnection between Congo’s mines and Apple’s sophisticated supply chain isn’t accidental; it’s a consequence of a profit-driven global economy. The iPhone, a symbol of technological progress, harbours a dark secret—rampant exploitation in Congo’s lithium mines. Despite claims of sustainability, Apple Inc.’s supply chain practices paint a different picture, casting doubt on corporate accountability and fueling scepticism about the abolition of slavery.

Moving Forward: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

This revelation isn’t an accusation but a call to action. It urges individuals, corporations, and governments to collaborate in creating a world where technological growth aligns with ethical responsibility. Congo’s lithium mines expose the dire need for transparency and accountability across global supply chains. As consumers, we must advocate for companies to embrace responsibility for their product lifecycle. This report by Broken Chalk aims to spark a conversation about the hidden costs of technological advancement, urging collective action to eradicate the persistent stain of modern-day slavery.

Navigating Modern-Day Slavery in Sudan: An Ongoing Crisis

In Sudan’s labyrinthine history, the darkness of slavery has cast a long and haunting shadow, evolving through centuries and manifesting in myriad forms. As we approach the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, it’s crucial to delve into Sudan’s struggle against modern-day bondage, marked by historical legacies and contemporary challenges.

Sudan’s historical tapestry is woven with threads of slavery, dating back to imperial influences and echoes of the second Sudanese civil war. Distressing reports emerged during the 1983-2005 conflict, revealing government-backed militias engaging in practices reminiscent of historical slavery. Abductions and enslavement, particularly in Darfur, drew global attention to egregious human rights violations.

We’ve uncovered enduring shadows in navigating Congo’s lithium mines and Sudan’s historical struggles. These tales of exploitation and resilience demand more than acknowledgement; they beckon us to collective action. The revelations from Congo and Sudan underscore the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and a united front against the chains binding humanity.

As we commemorate the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, let this report be a catalyst for change—a call to confront uncomfortable truths, advocate for ethical responsibility, and strive for a world where progress aligns with justice, human rights, and the unequivocal abolition of modern-day slavery. The shadows may endure, but so does the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and the collective power to break free from persisting shackles.

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed,

Broken Chalk

Press Release: Breaking Barriers. Broken Chalk’s Call for an Immediate Ceasefire and Self-Determination on this year’s International Day of Solidarity for Palestinians

As we reflect on this historic November 29th, marking 76 years since the UN partition plan, the world must stand united in solidarity with the Palestinian people, recognising their inherent right to resist occupation and achieve self-determination. On this heartbreaking International Day of Solidarity for Palestinians, Broken Chalk not only amplifies its voice but passionately advocates for the union of the Palestinian people under one sovereign territory and for a harmonious resolution to the enduring 75-year Israeli-Palestinian conflict.On this day in 1947, the UN adopted the partition plan, carving out a vision for a Jewish state and a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as an international zone “corpus separatum.” This historic decision laid the groundwork for a two-state solution based on the principles of equal rights and self-determination under the UN Charter in Article 1 (2).1

In the wake of recent events, Broken Chalk echoes UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ assertion that the October 7th attacks by Hamas “did not occur in a vacuum” and are intertwined with the 75-year struggle for self-determination and the resistance to Israeli occupation.2 Since Hamas’ recent attack on October 7th 2023, there have been over 12,000 civilians killed in the Gaza Strip, with over 5000 being children.3 “Gaza has become a graveyard for children”, speaks the UN Secretary-General Guterres.4

Broken Chalk asserts the importance of fostering political bipartisan dialogue in pursuing a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recognising the urgency of a two-state solution, we emphasise that the path to genuine self-determination for Palestinians must begin at the grassroots level. It is imperative that civil society be granted full autonomy to shape and forge its own states, free from external impositions. As we contemplate the long-term aspirations for Palestinian self-determination, it becomes clear that a pivotal step forward is the acknowledgement that Palestinians possess the agency to construct a model for their own state independently, free from external constraints imposed by Israel or the international community.

On this day, the 29th of November, it is imperative to passionately reassert the immediate need to uphold the commitment to a two-state solution, fostering an environment where both Palestinians and Israelis thrive with unbridled autonomy and sovereignty. A reunion of Palestinians residing in both the West Bank and Gaza must transcend mere consideration; it demands recognition as an enduring solution embedded within Israel’s policy commitments and the collective conscience of the international community. The existing division among Palestinians in these two territories not only hampers the realisation of Palestinian self-determination but also perpetuates the challenges posed by unlawful settlements in the West Bank and the apparent stagnation of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

While acknowledging Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against a terrorist organisation wholly committed to dismantling the Jewish state, Broken Chalk emphasises the utmost importance of unwavering adherence to international law, with a specific focus on maintaining proportionality in response to security threats.5 In condemning the universally deplorable attack by Hamas, it is crucial to highlight the disparity in Israel’s approach. Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing collective punishment for the actions of Hamas, raising questions about the proportionality of Israel’s response. The methods employed by the Israeli Defense Forces appear incongruent with the target objectives, as the alarming ratio of casualties reveals a stark imbalance – for every Israeli civilian lost, 10 Palestinians have paid a devastating price.6 As we navigate this complex landscape, Broken Chalk advocates for a measured and proportionate approach that respects the principles of international law while safeguarding the rights and lives of all those affected by the conflict.

The recent attacks have dealt a significant blow to the prospects of a two-state solution, with reports suggesting Palestinians in Gaza facing displacement into Sinai, Egypt, amid ongoing negotiations.7 It is crucial to shed light on the challenges Gaza faces, where limited control over its territory, borders, and economy impedes its ability to exercise full autonomy. Broken Chalk condemns the reported relocation of Palestinians to Southern Gaza and urges all parties involved to prioritise the preservation of human rights and international law.8

In alignment with Broken Chalk’s mission to make education universal, we find the cataclysmic attack on the al-Fakhoora school, operated by the UNRWA, extremely deplorable. 9 Targeting educational institutions undermines the fundamental right to education for all and hampers the prospects for a brighter future for Palestinians. As children are the future of our world, the international community must do whatever is necessary to prevent attacks on refugee camps and schools and to prevent the further loss of life of innocent men, women, and children. We call for a prospective collaboration with other NGOs to make a fundraising campaign as an emergency aid for those affected in Gaza.

As we stand together in solidarity with Palestinians on this significant day, Broken Chalk calls on the international community to renew its commitment to a just and lasting resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. We call for an immediate ceasefire and a revision of the UN partition plan in which both sides uphold the right to self-determination.

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed,

Broken Chalk

References

1 https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/purposes-and-principles-un-chapter-i-un-charter#rel1

2 https://www.politico.eu/article/israel-united-nations-antonio-guterres-hamas-attack-vacuum-comments/

3 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/18/israeli-air-strikes-kill-28-palestinians-in-southern-gaza#:~:text=Since October 7, more than,to about 2.3 million people.

4 https://www.dci-palestine.org/4237_palestinian_children_killed_as_gaza_becomes_graveyard_for_children

5 https://guide-humanitarian-law.org/content/article/3/proportionality/

6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jsJYHuGPms

7 https://www.timesofisrael.com/intelligence-ministry-concept-paper-proposes-transferring-gazans-to-egypts-sinai/

8 https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/08/world/palestinians-fleeing-south-gaza-city-unbearable-situation/index.html

9 https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-50-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-al-fakhoora-school-in-gazas-jabalia-refugee-camp-660179

Press Release: Addressing the Silent Crisis. Broken Chalk Calls for the Acknowledgement of Violence Against Women and Girls and its Impact on Education

November 25, 2023

In a world where 1 out of 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence, where, every hour, five women are killed by someone in their own family and where evidence indicates that sexual harassment is alarmingly widespread, it is of extreme importance for the global community to take action. Broken Chalk recognises the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, which also is reflected in educational contexts. In schools, sexual harassment and psychological bullying are a widespread reality; girls are impeded from following education because of child marriage and violence in their own homes and on their way to school.

Exacerbated by the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, economic crises, and political instability, this violence has a direct impact on their education, which hinders their enjoyment of human rights. The risks of violence discourage parents from sending girls to school, particularly in conflict situations, where during their journey to school, they fear the possibility of assault and abduction. It is empirically proven that victims of abuse have much higher rates of dropout and learning difficulties. This poses a serious threat to gender equality and the empowerment of upcoming generations of women.

Within this scenario, it is disheartening to observe the fact that only 0.2% of Global Official Development Assistance is directed toward gender-based violence prevention. Hence, Broken Chalk acknowledges that the impact of violence against women and girls (VAWG) is profound and extends beyond physical harm to affect the very foundations of society, hindering equality, development, and peace.

VAWG has a cost on society in general and girls’ education in particular, hence it remains an educational priority. Firstly, exposure to intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, has documented negative effects on children’s academic performance and behavioural outcomes. UNICEF reports it is linked with lower vocabulary and numeracy skills at ages 5 to 8. Secondly, violence against women constitutes one of the factors why girls cannot access education: worldwide, 129 million girls are out of school. Personal insecurity at school or social stigma and shame after experiencing sexual violence partly explain this. Girls and women who experience psychological violence might also be out of school as a result of the coercion on them.

Broken Chalk also recognises the pervasiveness of harassment as a form of violence against women. In the European Union, 45 to 55% of women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15. In England and Wales, an inquiry in 2021 revealed that 92% of female students affirmed receiving sexist name-calling from their school peers, and 61% of female students reported experiencing peer-on-peer sexual harassment in school. The potential threat of experiencing violence at school or on the way to school might disincentivise girls from attending education. In order to provide a response to this, several countries like Ghana and India have experimented with programs that provide bicycles to girls to provide a safer transport option to get to school.

Although work has been put into eliminating VAWG, the above facts show that much more work is needed. Broken Chalk believes that education is crucial to work towards the elimination of VAWG, as many studies have shown that it is precisely in the educational environment where children are exposed to violence and are taught it. Therefore, education is a powerful tool that can be used to shift the culture which teaches young and impressionable minds how to behave towards girls and women in violent ways into more peaceful and respectful manners. Furthermore, education can be used to teach girls and raise awareness of what constitutes violence, something which many girls cannot even begin to grasp. In this way, VAWG is so normalised globally that victims sometimes do not even realise their rights are being violated, which plays a part in less than 40% of women who experience violence seeking help of any sort or reporting it and finding justice.

For this reason, Broken Chalk joins the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign starting on the 25th of November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and lasting until Human Rights Day on December 10th. This year’s campaign theme is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, and Broken Chalk joins the movement and calls for urgent investments to prevent VAWG, with a special focus on education to do so. Moreover, Broken Chalk calls for taking on an intersectional perspective in work put into the eradication of VAWG, especially for understanding the extra difficulties and attacks women of colour and LGTBQ+ women face both in their education and everyday lives.

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed,

Broken Chalk

*Upon request, the article may be translated into other languages. Please use the comments section below*

Press Release: Broken Chalk Calls on the Immediate Ceasefire by Israel and the International Community Following the Latest Crisis at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital

18th October 2023

On October 7th, Hamas launched a significant attack on Israeli territory during a festival just outside the walls surrounding the Gaza Strip. This event resulted in the tragic loss of over 250 Israeli civilians’ lives, with many others kidnapped and held captive in the enclave. In response, Israel initiated a full-scale conflict with Hamas, leading to airstrikes on Gaza and a comprehensive border siege. The conflict has had devastating consequences, with an estimated 3,000 Palestinian casualties attributed to Hamas’ initial attack, alongside the loss of over 1,300 Israeli civilian lives. It has triggered a tragic humanitarian crisis for over 2 million Palestinians in the world’s most densely populated city. 

Reflecting on the human cost, it is heartbreaking to note that over 1,000 children have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict, as estimated by the Gaza Health Ministry.  As half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population is under 18, the United Nations and the international community must redouble their efforts to encourage an immediate ceasefire and scrutinise both sides on their adherence to the rules of international law. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, stating that “Hamas attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”

The challenges of recent ongoing discussions in progress involving the United States, the European Union, Israel, and Egypt are deeply concerning. The primary goal of these discussions is to facilitate the entry of critical humanitarian aid from Egypt to Gaza by opening the Rafah crossing; regrettably, these negotiations have faced significant obstacles, as Israel has targeted the Rafah crossing with airstrikes on four occasions since the onset of the conflict on October 7th.  Hundreds of Egyptian humanitarian trucks are stuck at the Rafah crossing, with the Egyptian government pressuring Israel and the US to hold a ceasefire so that unrestricted humanitarian aid may reach many wounded men, women, and children.

On October 17th, a massive blast rocked Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, where doctors and nurses were tending to injured Palestinians, including women and children, and other Palestinians still were seeking shelter. This incident became the site of the highest death toll of any single event since the start of the current conflict, claiming the lives of 500 people, as reported by the Palestinian health authorities.  Both main military actors in the conflict, Hamas and the Israeli Defense Force, claim that the other side was responsible for the incident.

As this conflict has brought about an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with almost 2.2 million Palestinians left without access to introductory provisions such as food, water, and electricity, Broken Chalk raises its voice to call for immediate action to stop ongoing extreme human rights violations to bring stability within the region and for all humanity. We call on the Israeli government and the international community to urgently hold a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to pass through the Rafah border, providing for many displaced and affected Palestinians. We call on the Israeli government to strictly abide by the rules of international law concerning protecting hospitals, journalists, and civilians. We believe that it is contingent that the international community exercise more scrutiny on Israel’s government to ensure that human rights are upheld. It is urgent that Israel lift the siege on Gaza to allow for water, food, electricity and fuel to reach Palestinian hospitals.

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed by

Broken Chalk

October 5: World Teachers’ Day

The theme for World Teachers’ Day 2023:

“ The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.”

Every year, World Teachers’ Day on October 5 reminds us how vital the role of teachers is for quality education for all.

It commemorates the 1966 signing of the International Labour Organization (ILO)-United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers setting international standards for treating teachers, including recruitment, training, continuing education, and labour conditions.

Nowadays, the circumstances are challenging for teachers all over the world. For this reason, UNESCO and Education International have declared the theme for this year: “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.” 

Actually:

  • 55% of teachers now expect to leave the profession earlier than they had planned,
  • 35% expect to quit in the next two years,
  • 78% of educators say that low pay is a serious issue,
  • 84% of teachers spend their own money on basic classroom supplies 
  • 45% of teachers say they do not feel respected by the public 
  • 42% of teachers said their teaching suffered due to the state of their mental health. 
  • Only 10% of teachers would strongly recommend the profession to a young adult.  

However, the role of teacher is still essential, as:

  • The average teacher affects over 3,000 students during their career.
  • 54% of students say a teacher has helped them in a difficult situation.
  • 75% of students say teachers are mentors and role models.
  • 83% of students say a teacher has boosted their self-esteem and confidence.
  • 79% of students say a teacher has encouraged them to follow their dreams. 

Now is the time to recognize the contribution of teachers, as they play a significant role in the future generation of society.

Now is the time to reimagine education and achieve our goals for equal access to all.

As Broken Chalk, we believe teachers should work with their students on this important day. Teachers have dedicated themselves to their work and continue to educate people, contributing to society and humanity wherever they live. Unfortunately, some are no longer with us due to poor government practices, armed groups, and mass shootings. We advocate the rights of teachers through the national and international judiciary and wish to draw the attention of governments, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and human rights defenders in the fight against the human rights violations educators face.

We wish all the teachers in the world a happy World Teachers’ Day!

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed by

Broken Chalk

Educators of Excellence https://e4e.org/sites/default/files/2022voicesfromtheclassroom_digital.pdf

Adopt a Classroom https://www.adoptaclassroom.org/2023/06/07/do-teachers-need-to-buy-their-own-supplies-in-2023/?gclid=CjwKCAjwv8qkBhAnEiwAkY-ahrbGH-yYT-XWm_8SCbC8n-CFl7jJOrBQmrsz2sKIp1bTG4TIwlA50RoChoAQAvD_BwE

Education Week https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/teachers-are-stressed-and-disrespected-but-happier-than-last-year-7-takeaways-from-new-poll/2023/05

Education Week https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/teachers-are-stressed-and-disrespected-but-happier-than-last-year-7-takeaways-from-new-poll/2023/05

MDR Education https://mdreducation.com/reports/educator-perspectives-2022/

https://www.weareteachers.com/teacher-impact-statistics/

https://www.weareteachers.com/world-teachers-day/

Press Release: International Women’s Day 2023

8th March 2023

Happy International Women’s Day!

A day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements worldwide, raising awareness of the challenges women face, and determining ways of achieving gender equality. This year the theme is Women in Education, Technology, and innovation, for which the Broken Chalk women’s team manage to make a video to commemorate the day, to raise awareness of the challenges women still face in education, and to identify the gaps and solutions for achieving gender equality. Gender equity is the process of being fair to women and men. Women have continued to pursue professional education and careers, but not without barriers. To ensure fairness, methods and efforts must be available to help women across the globe against any social, political, or cultural disadvantages they might face.

 

Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes equal opportunities and compulsory and available primary education for all. To this day, 129 million girls are still not going to school, although more girls have access to education than ever before. The enjoyment of women’s right to quality education is still affected by multiple gender-based barriers, such as wrong stereotypes, child marriage and pregnancy, poverty, or gender-based violence. Although gender-equitable education systems build prosperity for the whole country, poor families often prioritise boys when investing in education. However, education for young girls will also enhance their countries’ social and economic well-being, as they are more likely to invest in and prioritize their children’s education because of the value of schooling.

 

Girls’ education goes beyond entering school: it is necessary to ensure a safe learning environment that enables girls to complete their learning and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the labour market. However, in some countries, schools still do not meet safety, hygiene and sanitation requirements or the same teaching practices creating gender gaps in learning.

Our team reflected on the ongoing education challenges women still face in their countries of origin and as possible solutions. In the so-called “Global North,” girls’ access to education is not conditioned by gender but stereotypes still play a role in relegating women to the humanities instead of science subjects. In some countries such as Italy injustices and discrimination in access to the labour market still occur. On the other hand, on the African continent, poverty plays a crucial role in access to education. One of the main concerns is the fact that for many girls, education is put on hold: there is no continuity. This is the case in Kenya, where crises caused by drought and famine challenge the durability of girls’ education. Girls also drop out of school due to early pregnancies and marriages. In Uganda and Mozambique, this phenomenon is very much present: society must become more sensitive to the importance of sending girls to school for social development. Also, in some Asian countries like Indonesia child marriage is still a cause for which women are stopping school and focusing on taking care of the children and the household. Although the government is acting to implement policies that improve the quality of Indonesian girls’ education, what needs to be spread is public awareness of the values and importance of education for girls. Investing in girls’ schooling transforms communities, countries, and the world. It strengthens economies and reduces inequality. Another challenge women may face is the case of Turkiye, where female university students still face strip searches by police officers.

 

As always, it is Broken Chalk’s mission to spread knowledge about the importance of education in actualizing human rights. This year Broken Chalk will focus on improving girls’ access to education and raising awareness about the positive impact that female education has on society in general as well as on economic and social well-being. Because women’s rights are human rights, we will continue to support efforts to achieve gender equality across all domains, not just education. Gender equity improves opportunities for all and allows people to pursue their dreams despite gender. Equity leads to equality.

 

Happy International Women’s Day!

Signed by

Broken Chalk

 International_Womens_Day_2023_Press_Release_Eng

Press Release: International Day of Education 2023

24th January 2023

 This January 24th, Broken Chalk invites you to join us in celebrating International Day of Education.

On this day, we recognize this year’s achievements in education policy while simultaneously considering the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, a global rise in armed conflict, increased limitations on freedom of expression, and global economic downturn, which has contributed to limited educational funding, falling education standards, and lower enrollment rates. More than anything, we at Broken Chalk hope to lead the global NGO community to redouble our collective commitment to education.

Let’s first focus on how Broken Chalk has positively contributed to realizing education as a human right in 2022. This year, Broken Chalk conducted significant research into the educational challenges facing over 25 countries, including funding dimensions, enrollment, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic distribution, gender equality, accessibility for disabled students, graduate employment rates, and access to vocational training for young adults. These educational challenges reports, published on our website and social media platforms, raised awareness about certain countries’ most pressing academic problems or most positive educational initiatives.

In addition, Broken Chalk began a new report series summarizing and analyzing the European Union’s 2021 enlargement package for the Western Balkans and Turkey. Specifically, this series produced seven reports, one for each country being considered for accession, noting the areas in which the EU recommended fundamental reforms. Each report examined the subject country’s educational policy, respect for children’s rights, socioeconomic equality, and access to public services according to the EU enlargement package’s metrics and evaluations. As a result, the reports generated critical contemplation about how the EU’s proposed reforms would impact education.

Finally, Broken Chalk participated in the annual United Nations Universal Periodic Review, as we have since our establishment in 2020. The UPR is a unique process by which states consider other states’ human rights policies and records in a peer-to-peer review and reform dialogue. To facilitate this dialogue, NGOs, National Human Rights Institutions, and civil society organizations are invited to submit statements and reports about the subject country’s human rights policies and records. This year, Broken Chalk completed submissions to the UPR for 30 countries. These submissions are vital to the UPR exercise because certain selected comments and recommendations for improvement are sent directly to the discussion floor. This round, many of Broken Chalk’s recommendations have been accepted by the UPR, signifying that Broken Chalk is generating meaningful discussion within the human rights community and tangibly contributing to significant material reforms within countries where human rights violations routinely occur.

Now, consider how Broken Chalk plans to expand its ongoing work with research, reports, and awareness-raising. We will continue our educational challenges reports, hopefully extending to new areas of the world. Scheduled are the reports for 35 more countries, again considering the challenges that the state, its educational bureaucracy, schools, and students face. We will again participate in the 2023 UPR, with plans to submit reports for another 39 countries. Beyond this, we have also planned new initiatives to further education as a human right in 2023. We hope to begin new projects, including new report series and proactive projects with local and global partners on the ground.

On this International Education Day, with the new year still fresh, Broken Chalk remains focused on the most severe issues facing educational institutions and students today. Collectively, global civil society and NGOs must cooperate to transform the future of education. We hope to instigate dialogue about strengthening the quality of education available equally to all, navigating the digital transformation of educational resources, supporting teachers, and guaranteeing a safe and sustainable platform for student voices. This International Education Day, please consider how you can contribute to these goals as an individual and a member of a global human rights community. Education is both a human right and a key to sustainable development, political harmony, and social cohesion. Happy International Day of Education!

 

Signed by

Broken Chalk

International_Day_of_Education_Press_Release_Eng

Press Release: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2022

 

10th December 2022

Press Release: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2022

“facilitating the right to education will help facilitate other human rights”

This December 10th, Broken Chalk wishes not only to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but also to reflect on the many challenges and successes that the human rights community has faced this year. As always, it is Broken Chalk’s mission today to spread knowledge about the importance of education in actualizing human rights. Despite the multiplicity of advancements in human rights across the world, poverty, systematic and institutional violence, discrimination, and corruption continue to prevent children and young adults from fully realizing their right to education. As we begin 2023, it is worthwhile to consider what policies individual nations and the international community should adopt to foster accessible quality education for all.

In 2022, one of the largest barriers preventing such education continued to be funding. Educational facilities across the world continue to lack safe infrastructure, clean water, sufficient supplies, books, and other teaching materials. Educators are rarely paid a living wage despite performing some of the most essential labor in a society. This funding crisis grows worse as global inflation grows. As the economy declines, governments tighten educational budgets, further reducing the quality of the education provided. At the same time, families need more income hence more children drop out of school to work. These two facts are self-reinforcing; if the quality of education a child receives decreases, families performing cost-benefit analysis are more likely to prioritize working over school because working presents a more immediate value. This can have lasting effects; an uneducated labor force can depress wages for all, widening income inequalities and exacerbating poverty. To prevent this vicious cycle, we must remind our policymakers—national and international—that education is an essential human right in which sufficient funding must be allocated.

Another issue facing accessible and quality education is the growing prevalence of internal conflict. Due to the unjust law enforcement practices used by the current government in Turkey, teachers have been exposed to torture, imprisoned, and lost their lives. Between the violence in Iran, repeated coups in Burkina Faso, the invasion of Ukraine, the crystallization of the Taliban’s power in Afghanistan, and the ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, and many others, 2022 did not bring an end to many of the world’s most acute disputes. In conflict zones, fulfilling the human right to education faces nearly insurmountable challenges. The constant threat of violence prevents education from occurring at all, especially considering that educational facilities are frequently targeted by insurgent armed groups. Families suffer great losses ranging from loss of life, family members, income, and or home, and may even become refugees or internally displaced persons. Consolidating humanitarian aid efforts is essential to ensure that some basic educational services continue to be provided even during conflict. In many ways, education is an effective medicine to prevent conflict before it happens and treat the social consequences of conflict after it occurs. Education is critical to building social cohesion and offers a non-violent outlet to express and further political goals. In societies with higher risk of conflict, targeted education that assists social, political, and ethnic minorities can prevent violence. If conflict does occur within a society, education after the fact can fill developmental gaps left by displaced populations, helping to restore a society’s economy. Education after conflict can also help those who were negatively affected by conflict, especially those who have lost their lives, family or home; education can provide the tools to resiliency and new, better opportunities. Finally, human rights education can reintegrate former combatants by teaching them the error of their violent conduct and comfort former victims by teaching them to appreciate their importance as human beings.

A final challenge that education continues to face is the ongoing dislocations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those students affected most by digital learning, including young children and those who cannot afford internet or digital technology, continue to fall behind in school. We must prevent what is increasingly being called a “global learning crisis,” as children do not receive the quality of education that was offered prior to COVID-19 and schools are failing to adapt to the changing demands of the 21st century. National and international policymakers must seek feedback from schools and families to learn how educational policy can change in the digital age, and how digitization can incorporate students of all backgrounds and learning needs.

In 2023, Broken Chalk will focus on these issues in addition to others. It is important to remember this International Human Rights Day that all human rights are interconnected and mutually generated; facilitating the right to education will help facilitate other human rights, like the rights to life, equality under the law, privacy, property, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, freedom of opinion and expression, and more. Reciprocally, advances in other human rights will positively impact education.

 

Broken Chalk pledges that this New Year, we will work hard to promote all human rights by uplifting the right to education.

 

Signed by

Broken Chalk

Human Rights Day 2022 Press Release_Eng

Press Release: OCTOBER 5 WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY 2022

 5th October 2022

 

The theme for World Teachers’ Day 2022

“The transformation of education begins with teachers.”

The world celebrates October 5th as World Teachers’ Day.

Educators are crucial future developers and education transformers, as seen at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers and education staff played an essential role in responding to the crisis and educational disruptions. They reinvented their roles to face changing and emerging demands. Many had to reorganize and adapt their teaching and learning processes, especially those related to online and distance education. They provided socio-emotional and psychological support to students by participating in activities to ensure the financial security of students and their families.

In today’s world, teachers face many challenges, but which ones?

  • The world lacks enough qualified teachers.

In 2015, almost 69 million primary and secondary teachers were needed to achieve universal primary and secondary enrolment and the Sustainable Development Goals (UNESCO-UIS, 2016).

  • Many teachers do not have access to quality training and continuous professional development throughout their careers.

Globally, 83% of primary and secondary teachers held the minimum required qualifications, yet in low-income countries, only 70% and 64% did so (UIS-Teacher Task Force, 2021).

  • The working conditions of many teachers are inadequate and undermine the attractiveness of the profession.

Most teacher unions report concerns that pay is too low, working conditions are deteriorating, and infrastructure to support teaching and learning is not a priority for government investment. (Education International, 2021).

We want to shed light on the dangers faced by teachers throughout the world. The aforementioned issues are taken from the UNESCO’s press release but correspond to only some of the challenges taking place. Teachers have been killed, imprisoned, exiled, and lost their lives due to oppression, conflict, and persecution in the world. The attacks range from school bombings to mass shootings. Rape and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on education harm the students and teachers, but they also affect the communities both on a short and long-term  basis.

To mention a few,

  • 611 teachers were killed and 910 schools were destroyed in nine years in Northeast Nigeria.[1] Over 22,000 students and teachers have been harmed or killed in education attacks in the last five years.[2]
  • Since 2009, at least 177 of America’s schools have experienced a shooting.[3] Attackers killed 110 students and teachers, and 246 were injured.[4]
  • Between 2015 and 2019, 93 countries experienced at least one attack on education, 19 more countries than in the previous reporting period of 2013-2017.[5]
  • Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been particularly badly hit, with 1,500 attacks on schools in each country, and Afghanistan, Palestine, and Syria all saw 500.[6]
  • In Turkey, teachers have been exposed to torture, put in prison, exiled, and lost their lives. Due to unlawful and injustice practices of the current government in Turkey, the oppression of society, cancellation of teachers’ diplomas, work permits, and passports, hundreds of thousands of people have had to leave their country illegally, risking their lives. The Turkish Government is targeting educators living abroad and the Foreign Minister has been boastful about the abduction of more than 100 teachres/educator from 19 countries by the Turkish National Intelligence Agency. The Turkish Government has been abducting teachers from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Albania, Bulgaria, Gabon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Qatar.

As Broken Chalk, we believe that teachers should work alongside their students on this important day. Teachers have dedicated themselves to their work and continue to educate people, contributing to society and humanity wherever they live. Unfortunately, some of them are no longer with us as a result of poor government practices, armed groups, and mass shootings. We advocate the rights of teachers through the national and international judiciary and wish to draw the attention of governments, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and human rights defenders in the fight against the human rights violations educators face.

We wish all the teachers in the world a happy World Teachers’ Day!

Broken Chalk announces it to the public with due respect.

Signed by

Broken Chalk

 We are grateful to our teachers who shed light on people’s journey of self-discovery.

[1] https://allafrica.com/stories/202009090067.html

[2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/22000-students-teachers-harmed-killed-attacks-education-last/

[3] https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3dbf6b680fc84036a3503159a96d50f2

[4] https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2019/07/us/ten-years-of-school-shootings-trnd/

[5] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/22000-students-teachers-harmed-killed-attacks-education-last/

[6] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/22000-students-teachers-harmed-killed-attacks-education-last/

International Women´s Day 2022

International Women´s Day 2022

Joint Statement of 19 European Civil Society Organizations

To read the joint statement as PDF please click

Despite all the developments that we achieved as humanity women do not yet have equal rights and opportunities. Established inequalities in many cultures through practices of life makes the problem all the more difficult to solve. According to World Economic Forum‘s Gender Gap Index for 2020 there is still an average of 31% gap between men and women in participation in economic activities, access to education and health and holding political power.

 

This rather unacceptable inequality is the root cause of many concrete problems that toxicate both public and private life. As the conditions are primarily designed for men, it exposes women to sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace. An average of 38% of working women experience harassment in the workplace and suffer from its trauma in mental and physical ways for the rest of their lives. Another injustice is manifest regarding the wages: A female employee is paid 16% less than a male employee for the same job.

 

Despite the terrible fact that men killed 339 women in Turkey in the year 2021, the legal gap and insensitivity of the judicial mechanisms continue. The studies however show that if necessary legal regulations are made, femicide rate can decrease by 25% in a short while like a year While the solution of all these problems and more can only go through legislative and political decision-making processes, the representation of women in active politics is quite low. While only 13 heads of government and 9 heads of state are women worldwide, the average is slightly higher at the ministerial level with 22%. This rather weak representation makes it further difficult for women to participate in politics and to bring their issues to the public and political agenda.

Global disasters that intensified in recent years, such as climate crisis and Covid-19 pandemic should be addressed separately regarding their effect on these issues. Because women, who work in less secure jobs and spend most of their already less earning on family members, are exposed to disproportionate disadvantages in such emergencies and their hard-won rights are put at risk. Similarly, economic problems, uncertainty driven anxiety, restrictions on mobility and lockdowns not only intensify the existing problems and but also create new ones.

 

The problems experienced across the world were also experienced in Turkey and had a negative impact on life to a large extent. On top of that, there was a different crisis in Turkey as well, the democracy crisis. The ruling party withdrew from Istanbul Convention, of which it was a signatory and the judiciary of the country lost its independence and impartiality with a large disregard of universal legal norms. The decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, which are binding by the Constitution in the country, were given a deaf ear. Women and children who have been targeted by men in sexual, physical and verbal violence were left all the more vulnerable.

 

It is a reality of today’s Turkey, where some women are detained right after giving birth just because of belonging to an opposition group. It is also a reality where a great singer like Sezen Aksu is targeted in extreme words by the president of the country. In the current democracy crisis of Turkey, the oppositional groups are collectively accused of being terrorists and women among them are threatened with rape in prisons as they are seen as trophies by the goons of the government. The dose of torture, ill-treatment, threats and insults is increasing in the country each passing day. At the entrance to the prisons, the female prisoners and the women who came to visit them are subjected to strip search which continued on their period subjecting them to psychological trauma for the rest of their lives.

 

The scope and penetration of the problems faced by women require collective action with broad participation which starts with correct identification of the problems and awareness-raising. Because the indifference of those who see the problems as irrelevant to their persons causes them to worsen in the social sphere while the indifference of decision-makers in the political field encourages the perpetrators. Two issues are particularly important when conducting awareness-raising activities: First, in order to avoid learned helplessness caused by the long existence of the problem, the public attention should not only be drawn to negative situations and inspiring success and recovery stories should be promoted well. This will facilitate placing the problem in a more solution and action-oriented framework. Another important issue in the search for solutions is the consideration of cultural sensitivities. On the one hand, care should be taken to avoid conflict with these sensitivities, yet on the other hand, it should also be taken into account that the existing injustices are largely due to these sensitivities. In this context, a sociopolitical negotiation with established cultural practices around the anchorage of human rights references will contribute immensely.

As the Peaceful Actions Platform, we approve the agenda of international organizations working on this issue, especially that of the United Nations, and share with the public that we will continue our activities in the light of the above information. Women’s rights are human rights!