On May 23, CAUT president Tom Booth wrote to Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe calling on him to publicly condemn acts of violence against teachers, particularly in rural areas of Zimbabwe. With elections in Zimbabwe imminent, human rights agencies believe teachers and other citizens are being persecuted because of personal political affiliation. The text of the letter follows. - ed.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers, which was founded in 1951 and represents 30,000 teachers, librarians and researchers across Canada is deeply concerned about reports concerning violence targeted against teachers, particularly in rural areas of Zimbabwe. We understand that women teachers appear to be specially vulnerable and that instances of molestation and rape have occurred. Other cases of severe beatings of teachers and headmasters have been reported. These attacks on teachers are said to be made on the basis of allegations of political allegiance.

We urge you to ensure that teachers are able to work in security and that they, along with other citizens, are not persecuted because of personal political affiliation. It is unacceptable that such attacks can be made against citizens of Zimbabwe and that there are no repercussions from government authorities on those responsible for such violent acts.

We are also aware that the education unions and their members have served the students and society of Zimbabwe well. We know that your citizens feel strongly that education is a priceless gift that can be given to children. Under the current circumstances when teachers and their families are subject to threats and violence, they cannot be expected to continue to work as before.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers calls on you to publicly condemn these acts of violence and to ensure the safety of teachers as well as that of other citizens of Zimbabwe.

With your announcement that elections in Zimbabwe are to be held on June 24 and 25, the Canadian Association of University Teachers calls for freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and associations, to ensure that all people of Zimbabwe can participate fully in the electoral process without fear of intimidation or violence.

Tom Booth
President, Canadian Association of University Teachers