March 20, 2002
EDUCATORS OPPOSE HOWARD'S WAR
The Howard Government has committed Australian troops to the illegal
invasion of Iraq at the behest of the United States. The war is opposed
by the majority of Australians and the international community. The war
does not have the authority of the United Nations.
The loss of life and devastation are likely to be horrific. More than
3000 missiles in the first 48 hours are targeted on Baghdad. As
educators we are concerned about the inevitable deaths and the injury to
children and other innocent civilians, and the destruction of places of
learning.
The alternative to war is clear - disarmament through continued weapons
inspection and negotiation. The path to a world free of weapons of mass
destruction and terrorism is through a fairer world based on respect for
human rights, multilateral disarmament and dialogue between nations.
Bring our Australian troops home.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
1 Our students are asking for guidance and reassurance. Educators
should deal with their concerns by involving students in discussions
which link to the values we are responsible to develop...respect for
human life and the rule of law, the avoidance of conflict by peaceful
means and recognition of cultural and religious diversity. Unions
support members dealing with the issues in a professional way,
respecting the views of students and their right to develop their own
opinions.
2 Take action in your workplace and community...join with your fellow
educators in placing advertisements in local papers, join vigils and
protest rallies, let your views be known to the Government and your MP.
3 Support students who take an anti-war stance; encourage participation
in peaceful protests with the support and involvement of other family
members.
Issued by Australia's education unions whose combined membership is
230,000 educators in kindergartens, schools, colleges and universities.
For further information, please contact:
Pat Byrne
Acting AEU Federal President
08 9325 5311 - Office
0411 693 244 - Mobile
Lynne Rolley
IEU Federal Secretary
03 9254 1830 - Office
0419 571 227 - Mobile
Grahame McCullough
NTEU General Secretary
03 9254 1910 - Office
0419 322 820 - Mobile
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