The University of Padua adheres to the motion set by CRUI on Syria

18.11.2019

During the November 12th Academic Senate session, the University of Padua agreed to adhere to the motion set by the General Assembly of the CRUI in regards to the situation in North-East Syria. The agreement reiterates the University of Padua’s dedication in defending universal values, such as human rights, tolerance, conflict resolution, international solidarity, and freedom of expression. 

On October 17th, CRUI and the Universities for Peace network approved the proposal unanimously. The request aims at halting military actions and allowing humanitarian organizations to provide help and assistance to the civilian populations of the Northeast region of Syria.

With its compliance, the University of Padua expresses its solidarity with the Rojava people while strongly condemning their situation of perpetual conflict.

Rojava, is an autonomous de facto region inhabited mainly by ethnic Kurdish minorities of northern and northeastern Syria, the Syrian government does not recognize Rojava.  Following the fight against ISIS forces, Rojava became a symbol in terms of its struggle for decentralization, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and religious tolerance. Rojava was recently hit by Turkish offences under the Erdogan government with the aim of creating "a safe zone" to transfer Syrian refugees living in Turkey.