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The United Nations (UN) said on Friday it was monitoring protests by high school students across France “with concern”, as nationwide demonstrations entered their fifth consecutive day.
“We are following with concern incidents related to the student protests and high school blockades in France, some of which have turned violent,” said Shabia Mantoo, spokesperson for the UN human rights agency.
Nearly 7,000 people, of whom 86 percent are minors, have been taken into police custody since mid-September, according to France’s Justice Ministry.
The students, mostly aged between 15 and 18, are protesting against teacher shortages, overcrowded timetables, deteriorating school facilities and buildings ill-equipped to cope with rising temperatures.
While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, some protesters have set fires and vandalised bus shelters.
Police have responded with tear gas, batons and blast balls, prompting accusations of excessive force from human rights groups and student protesters.
Authorities have launched 18 internal investigations into allegations of police misconduct.
Government pledges action to address student demands
In an effort to ease tensions, Education Minister Edouard Geffray announced late Thursday that around 3,000 substitute teachers would be deployed in the coming days to cover staff shortages at the 114 high schools most affected by the protests.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has also pledged to introduce a plan to address the crisis by the end of October.
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Roland Lescure said the government could accommodate demands for additional school funding despite tight constraints on the 2027 budget.
Under the current draft budget, education is set to receive the second-largest funding increase after defence, with spending rising by 1.4% to €90.9 billion.
Student union representative Marius Mesnil said “we’re being offered a few crumbs”, while calling for another wave of demonstrations Tuesday.