Port Vila, Vanuatu – The Government has condemned what it describes as “Unlawful action” of the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU).

In a statement issued by the Minister for Education, Hon. Simil Johnson, the Government says actions by the VTU Teachers, which allegedly, included forcibly entering and closing schools across the nation are in breach of International and national laws.

The Minister for Education and Training emphasized that the VTU does not have the mandate to disrupt school operations.

“ The denial of children’s fundamental right to education is part of several legal protections,” he said.

Notably, Article 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu guarantees every child’s right to education. Additionally, the Education Act [Cap 272] mandates that education must be uninterrupted and accessible to all children. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), specifically Article 28, which Vanuatu has ratified, obligates the government to ensure continuous education for all children. Furthermore, the Child Rights Protection Act reinforces the state’s duty to safeguard children’s welfare, including their right to uninterrupted learning.

Hon. Johnson is calling on Teachers to respect the rights of children and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all children have access to education without disruption and indicated that he would take all necessary legal measures to prevent any further unlawful school closures.

“I urge all teachers and stakeholders to act responsibly and within the law. “The Education of our children is the government’s top priority,” he said.