UNI affiliates in Nepal stand in solidarity with teachers’ movement for education reform

The UNI Nepal Liaison Council has declared its firm solidarity with the ongoing teachers’ movement in Kathmandu, led by the Nepal Teachers’ Federation—an affiliate of UNI’s sister global union, Education International.

The Federation is calling for the urgent implementation of a long-awaited School Education Act, a key piece of legislation that was promised in an agreement with the Government of Nepal in September 2023.

The Act is intended to address pressing issues such as political interference in education governance and the risks associated with the transfer of teachers under local governments without clear protections. Teachers are calling for professional autonomy, job security, and non-partisan treatment—fundamental rights that should be safeguarded by the state.

“This is not just about teachers—it’s about the future of education in Nepal,” said Shankar Lamichhane, President of UNI Nepal Liaison Council, during a mass gathering of teachers. “Teachers are the backbone of nation-building. Attempts to ignore their voices or undermine their professional dignity are unacceptable.”

In a strong demonstration of cross-sector solidarity, UNI affiliates in Nepal contributed NPR 25,000 (approx. US$184) to support the Federation’s strike fund during this critical period.

UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary Rajendra Acharya added, “We deeply appreciate the unity and commitment demonstrated by UNI Nepal Liaison Council in supporting this just cause. Such solidarity strengthens our shared pursuit of social justice and democratic public institutions.”

The UNI Nepal Liaison Council is the national affiliate structure of UNI Global Union, representing over 150,000 service sector workers across 22 trade unions in Nepal.