EI Orgs. decries Turkish occupation attacks, considers egregious violations of international law

The Secretary-General of Education International (EI), David Edwards, issued a statement protesting the attacks launched by the Turkish occupation state on North and East Syria and the regions of Başûr Kurdistan.

During it, the organization expressed its concern about the ongoing attacks and stressed: “They are having a profound impact on civilian infrastructure. Vital services such as water supplies, schools and hospitals have been targeted. 48 schools have stopped operating, leaving 8,458 students unable to receive education, and in the mountainous areas In Iraqi Kurdistan, indiscriminate strikes have displaced many civilians.

While the organization mentioned the names of two female students who were martyred in Ain Issa as a result of the Turkish occupation’s attacks on their village.

The text of the statement was as follows:

 “Urgent protest against the attacks on northern and eastern Syria and Iraq

I write on behalf of Education International (EI), the global federation representing 32.5 million teachers and education workers in 180 countries through 380 affiliated national unions, including the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union and the North and East Syria Teachers’ Union. We call on the Turkish authorities to immediately stop cross-border air strikes

We condemn Turkey's recent military actions, which appear to be a disproportionate retaliation for a bombing in Ankara claimed by the PKK. So far, 26 civilians in North and East Syria have been directly affected, resulting in the death of 11 people, including two children. Tragically, in the city of Ain Issa, Nadia and Ali Ayyash, both primary school students, lost their lives in a bomb attack.

In the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria areas AANES, more than 224 attacks hit multiple cities, having a profound impact on civilian infrastructure. Vital services such as water supplies, schools and hospitals were targeted. 48 schools have ceased operations, leaving 8,458 students unable to receive education. In the mountainous areas of Iraqi Kurdistan, indiscriminate strikes led to the displacement of many civilians.

This is a grave injustice and a direct violation of international law. Humanitarian and human rights laws provide protection for civilian infrastructure related to education and health during times of armed conflict or violence. These protections apply to attacks carried out by state authorities and non-state actors. The Fourth Geneva Convention focuses on the protection of civilians, including those in educational facilities. The ICC includes provisions to try individuals for war crimes for intentionally attacking civilian targets, which could be educational facilities.

We are also concerned about the possible resurgence of ISIS due to the deteriorating security situation. These attacks may provide ISIS with an opportunity to recruit new members and intensify terrorist activities in the region. The absence and prevalence of education and despair foster conditions conducive to extremism, which poses a major threat to global peace and security.

Education International and its affiliates will continue to monitor and document violations and will report to the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council, including the Special Rapporteur on the right to education. We believe in your country's commitment to human rights, peace and education, so we ask you to act quickly and decisively to end the suffering and destruction.

We appreciate your interest in this urgent issue and hope that your efforts will contribute to a safer and more democratic future for the region.

Sincerely

David Edwards, Secretary-General

T/ Satt.

ANHA