Academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the right to education in one's own language

We, the undersigned scholars and members of the international academic community, stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, and staff of Rojava University and Kobani University as their integration into the Syrian higher education system proceeds.

We support integration that secures nationally recognized qualifications and equal access to higher education. We are concerned, however, that the current integration process generates fear of abandoning education in Kurdish language and the meaningful consultation with the universities' academic communities. Such measures risk disrupting students' studies and ending Kurdish-language instruction. International standards, including the ICESCR (Arts. 13 and 15), protect both academic autonomy and mother-tongue education.

We respectfully call on the Syrian Ministry of Higher Education to:

1. Establish a joint integration committee including elected faculty and student representatives, with a published timeline.

2. Guarantee academic continuity, recognize degrees, protect the employment and status of current staff, and allow students to complete their programs.

3. Preserve Kurdish-language instruction and existing faculties and curricula alongside Arabic during and after the transition.

4. Respect academic self-governance in curriculum, appointments, teaching, and research, with any changes agreed through negotiation.

We support a successful integration through independent accreditation review, visiting teaching, and joint programs. We invite universities, academic associations, and research networks to endorse this statement and to offer concrete cooperation to both institutions.

Contact: ikss@kurdishscholar.org