Rojava University calls for dialogue and transparency in managing university’s integration process

Rojava University issued a statement to the public affirming its commitment to protecting its academic system and the right to education in the mother tongue, and calling for its integration process with Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to be managed in a democratic, decentralised, transparent, and participatory manner.

The university noted that it was established ten years ago under difficult circumstances marked by war, siege, and limited resources. It stressed that over the years, it had accumulated extensive experience in the fields of education and scientific research, contributing to the preparation of an aware generation capable of serving its community and contributing to building its future.

The statement pointed out that considerable time had passed since the university’s integration process with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research began, while the new academic year is approaching and the mechanisms for implementing the process remain unclear. The university expressed concern over the continued delays, saying that they do not serve the interests of students, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty over the university’s status and concerns that decisions concerning it could be taken and implemented in a centralised manner.

Rojava University affirmed its rejection of a centralised approach to managing academic affairs, stressing that protecting its academic system and guaranteeing the right to education in the mother tongue are two fundamental and non-negotiable principles. It also called for the social, cultural, linguistic, and geographical characteristics of the region to be taken into consideration, and for clarity to be provided regarding the future of the thousands of students, teachers, and employees who have contributed to building and developing the university.

The university stressed the need to preserve its particularity in a manner compatible with the nature and needs of the region, affirming that its ten years of experience in education cannot be disregarded. It also rejected imposing any changes through sudden centralised decisions, considering such an approach inconsistent with educational and legal considerations.

The statement stressed that decisions concerning the university should be made through dialogue and transparency, while respecting the particularity of the region. It explained that the integration process requires sufficient time and should be managed through discussion and consensus in a way that guarantees academic independence, pluralism, democratic participation, and the right to education in the mother tongue.

At the conclusion of its statement, Rojava University called on all concerned parties to manage the integration process in a democratic, decentralised, transparent, and participatory manner, while ensuring the participation of students, teaching staff, and university employees, and protecting the academic system and the right to education.

Sh-S

ANHA