Teachers Protest Abrupt Layoffs by UNHCR

News Desk

PESHAWAR: Hundreds of teachers in Peshawar staged a protest on Tuesday against the abrupt layoffs imposed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which left them without financial relief after decades of service educating Afghan children in refugee camps.

As many as 291 teachers, including 100 men and 191 women, were dismissed on October 31 without prior notice or compensation. These educators, who have dedicated 35 to 40 years to their roles, hail from various districts including Mardan, Nowshera, and Dera Ismail Khan.

Protest leaders Tufail Ahmed and Farhana Durrani emphasized the injustice of their sudden termination, highlighting their commitment to the education of Afghan children.

The layoffs raise significant concerns about the future of education for Afghan refugees, as these teachers have been instrumental in providing stability and learning opportunities in challenging environments.

The abrupt nature of the dismissals has sparked outrage among the affected teachers and their communities, who are now calling for immediate compensation and a reconsideration of the decision.

In response to the protests, the teachers plan to escalate their efforts, seeking meetings with UNHCR officials to discuss their grievances and demand financial support for their years of service.

The situation remains fluid as the teachers rally for their rights, with potential implications for the educational landscape in refugee camps across the region.