Teachers' Union: Public Protests are a Result of Government Mismanagement

The Coordinating Council of Teachers' Trade Unions of Iran stated that the nationwide protests against "inflation, poverty, unemployment, and inequality" are a result of the "mismanagement of government officials and the three branches of power." The statement, published on the union's Telegram channel, highlighted that the protests were against the "poor economic and living conditions, discrimination and systemic corruption, poverty, and class divide." The council cited "weak management at various levels, unprincipled and disproportionate planning, and widespread abuses of job positions and public resources" as reasons for public dissatisfaction. It also pointed out the "lack of fundamental inspections, unfair handling of violations, and the prevalence of corruption at various levels and in most management layers, with many positions being monopolized by specific individuals" as causes of "widespread dissatisfaction." The statement recalled the "warnings from civil activists and teachers' unions" regarding dissatisfaction, noting that "officials have ignored these protests and have exacerbated discontent and concern through violent responses." The Coordinating Council criticized the late "surprise" of officials following the public outcry in the streets and condemned the lack of permits for peaceful and union gatherings in Iran, adding that while officials speak of the legal right of people to gather, "for years, requests for... holding union gatherings have not received a proper response and have faced indifference from superiors in various governments." The council accused Iranian officials of "hypocrisy" in their words and actions, questioning why their response to protests from retired and active teachers in previous years has been "imprisonment, exile, suspension, and dismissal." This statement was issued following recent street protests in various cities across Iran that lasted more than a week and resulted in over 20 deaths, including at least two students. According to security officials, many of the detainees are under 25 years old, with some being students. The Association for the Support of At-Risk Children issued a statement reacting to the "problems arising from recent clashes for individuals under 18, who are considered children," stating that "irresponsible actions and violent and irrational measures in recent events have undermined children's security, leading to the deaths of two children and the detention of several others, fostering fear, psychological issues, distrust, reluctance to participate, and social isolation." This association held the "responsibility for these negative consequences" on the "authorities in charge," stating that "the burden of responsibility on the authorities will increase" and that they must be addressed and acted upon promptly. The statement also included demands for "immediate attention from judicial authorities, the national authority of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Iran, and the international children's rights organization UNICEF regarding the deaths of two children in recent clashes and the release of detained children and child activists." Meanwhile, the Association for the Support of Children's Rights expressed regret over the deaths of two students in recent protests, seriously protesting against "involving children in conflicts and clashes." This association referred to Article 38 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, stating that according to this article, "the government is obliged to respect applicable humanitarian laws in conflicts involving children and to ensure respect for these regulations. It must also take all possible measures to ensure the protection and care of children who are at risk due to conflicts." According to the Association for the Support of Children's Rights, "preventing any harm and detention of children is among the regulations established for children's rights to protection."