– We are very happy and proud for working with Amnesty International, says the leader of the Union of Education Mimi Bjerkestrand. She continues: – With 150,000 education workers, which have all our children in their hands, we can make an important channel to generate interest and participation in work promoting the rule of law, justice and solidarity.

It was the Union of Education who has recently initiated a cooperation that will run over three years.

Bjerkestrand explains that as a member of the international trade union Education International it is natural to the Union of Education to engage in an extensive international work.

She added that Amnesty International Norway, with its credibility and high integrity, is almost a natural partner for the Union of Education.

Non-profit agreement
Under the agreement, first and foremost members of the Union of Education will get more knowledge of Amnesty’s campaign efforts. In particular, they will be involved in cases concerning violations of individual’s right to education, work and organisation and union freedom, both in Norway and internationally.

The agreement sets the goal of further capacity building, inter alia, that Amnesty International Norway will provide Education Association’s representatives at all levels of education in human rights situation worldwide.

– For Amnesty, this agreement the first of its kind,” said John Peder Egenæs, Secretary General of Amnesty International Norway.

Together with a stronger voice
– The beginning of our cooperation is based on common values. We believe that opportunities for further cooperation both at the local, regional, national and international levels are present in the long term.

 – Together, we can get a stronger voice in public debate and we can share important knowledge about what it takes to run an effective human rights education, both in Norway and internationally, he concludes.

Union of Education Norway is Norway’s largest trade union for teaching personnel. With close to 150,000 members, the Union is the country’s third largest trade union. Union of Education Norway was founded on 1 January 2002.

HRH Bergen, based on Amnesty International Norway press realease and Union of Education Norway inforamtion.