Peshawar Teachers Protest Abrupt Layoffs by UNHCR After Decades of Service

PESHAWAR: Hundreds of teachers in Peshawar protested 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.

Approximately 291 teachers, including 100 men and 191 women, were dismissed on October 31 without prior notice or compensation. These educators have dedicated 35 to 40 years to teaching Afghan children across various regions including Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera, among others. Protest leaders Tufail Ahmed and Farhana Durrani emphasized the injustice of their sudden termination, highlighting their long-standing commitment to education.

The layoffs raise significant concerns about the future of education for Afghan children in these camps, as well as the livelihoods of the affected teachers. The abrupt nature of the dismissals has sparked outrage, with many calling for accountability and financial support for those who have devoted their lives to this cause.

In response to the protests, the teachers are demanding immediate compensation and a reconsideration of the layoffs. They plan to escalate their demonstrations if their demands are not met, urging the UNHCR to recognize their contributions and provide the necessary support.