Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot teacher unions pointed out on Friday the need to secure the right of all children to quality education and to invest in public education with proper staffing, necessary resources, fair salaries and a safe environment.

Teacher unions Poed, Oelmek and Oltek, as well as Ktos, Ktoeos and Dau-Sen in the occupied north, issued a joint statement to mark the World Teachers’ Day, while honouring the 60th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation and Unesco recommendation on the status of teachers.

The unions said the recommendation advocates for proper training standards, negotiated salaries, security of tenure, maternity protection, academic freedom and participation in educational policy.

Sixty years later, “its fundamental principles and aims continue to have not been fully implemented,” the unions said.

“Teachers are called upon to support children and young people in understanding and addressing social inequality, conflict, climate change, rapid technological advancements and the challenges faced by democracy. In this context, the teachers cannot take on the responsibilities alone. Supporting the educational work demands policies and social commitments, backing public education,” they added.

The unions said there were more women in teaching than men, both in Cyprus and globally. “Many female teachers, however, continue to face discrimination, violence and harassment, as well as obstacles in accessing and participating in positions of responsibility and leadership,” they said.

“In Cyprus, we have the joint responsibility to build a better future for our island, on the basis of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. In our schools, we are committed to cultivate the values of peace, democracy and justice, so that the children and young people of today can contribute to forming a more peaceful, democratic and fair future for all,” the unions pointed out.