We emphasize on cultural (ethnic) equality in, and we believe that the national solidarity and feeling of belonging is not be possible without justice regarding the right to education in mother language.
In November 17, 1999, UNESCO declared February 21, the International Day of the Mother language. Since 2000, this day has been celebrated in most countries and events have been held in connection with this day.
The philosophy of naming this day as a mother language day is due to the fact that language is the key to communication and networking. Mother language is a cultural wealth that gives people a special identity in addition to the ability to socialize when they master it. Therefore, the identity of individuals, both at the ethnic level and at the national level, largely depends on the language they learn.
In fact, language is a unique social phenomenon by which the process of human evolution in society is passed on to future generations. If language is taken from any human society, this social cycle stops; Human society falls apart and human culture and civilization gets destroyed.
Language is also a key factor when it comes to preserving, strengthening, and developing a society’s culture. Because language is the string that connects the culture of the past and the present. In the last three centuries, the extinction of languages has grown so rapidly that humanity lost two languages every month.
Accordingly, the international community rightfully accepted the importance and necessity of education in the mother Language and has recognized it as one of the fundamental human rights. As a result, several treaties and declarations are prepared by international bodies to support the right of people to receive education in their mother tongue. Among the most important of these conventions and treaties are:
- Article 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted December 16, 1996;
- Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted November 20, 1989;
- Article 4 refers to the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 1992,
- Article 52 of the 1996 Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights and the UNESCO Charter of Mother Tongues.
In our country, due to culturally and linguistically diverse climate, education in mother tongue is in dire need to be addressed more than ever. The government must implement Article 15 of the constitution, which has been forgotten for many years, and provide necessary conditions for education in mother language.
Coordination Council of Iran teacher’s union congratulates international mother language day to all ethnic groups in Iran. We emphasize on cultural(ethnic) equality, and we believe that the national solidarity and feeling of belonging is not be possible without justice regarding the right to education in mother language. Therefore, we call on all those who are involved in this matter to focus their efforts to bring change in this matter.
Coordination Council of Iran teacher’s Association
Feb20, 2022