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- All Committee on Academic Freedom
Exclusion of non-Kuwaiti students from studies at reopened University of Kuwait
Letter to Kuwaiti Amir expressing delight at reopening of the University of Kuwait but concern that non-Kuwaiti students have been excluded from studying, including those who were already enrolled at the university seriously affecting members of the biduun community and Palestinians who would face difficulties in obtaining necessary documents to study at universities outside of Kuwait.
Government dissolution of the Arab Women’s Solidarity Association
Letter to the Egyptian President expressing concern over the government’s decision to dissolve the Arab Women’s Solidarity Association (AWSA), a group that brings together Arab and foreign scholars to examine issues related to the status of women in the Arab world. AWSA is an internationally recognized organization and its closure will contribute to the restriction of intellectual freedom in Egypt.
Hospitalization of Tunisian professor following harsh prison conditions
Second letter to Tunisian authorities regarding the imprisonment of Prof. Moncef ben Salem of the University of Sfax and his deteriorating health due to the harsh prison conditions leading to his hospitalization in April.
Second Letter to Syrian President regarding detention of Syrian academics
Second Letter to Syrian President regarding detention of Syrian academics expressing concern over the continued suppression of academic freedom. Although several detainees have been released, they were all dismissed from their academic jobs and have been unable to resume their positions. Additionally, a number of academics remain detained without access to adequate medical care and allegations of incidents of torture in violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Letter to Tunisian President de la Rebublique
Letter to Tunisian President de la Rebublique (French).
Detention of Bir Zeit University Professor Dr. Sari Husseibeh
Letter to Israeli Prime Minister concerning the administrative detention of Dr. Sari Husseibeh of Bir Zeit University and sentencing to six months imprisonment without charge, evidence or entitlement to a trial.
Dismissal of female professors who participated in 6 November demonstration
Letter to His Royal Majesty of Saudi Arabia regarding reports that six female professors of the University of Riyadh were dismissed for participating in demonstration protesting restraints on driving for women. If true, this dismissal is a serious breach of human rights and academic freedom as the right to participate in a non-violent protest is protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Detention of Syrian university faculty members
Letter to Syrian President expressing concern over the detention of a number of Syrian academics without charge or trial in violation of the principles of academic freedom and human rights. Detainees have been incarcerated many years without being allowed visits from family members, legal representation or access to adequate medical care. Additionally, many of these academics have lost their university positions in addition to their incarceration.
Extended detention of Dr. Bashir Omer
Third Letter to Sudanese Head of State and Defense Minister regarding the transfer of Dr. Bashir Omer for extended detention despite an absence of evidence that he has committed any criminal offenses.
Undermining of university life and denial of academic freedom in Kuwait
Letter to Iraqi President expressing concern over the state of academic freedom in Kuwait under Iraqi occupation and the apparent contravening of the Fourth Geneva Conventions of 1949 measures which prohibit collective punishment of persons living in occupied territories as well as requiring the occupying power to facilitate the proper working of educational institutions and forbids destruction of property.
Continued detention and harsh treatment of Sudanese academics
Second letter to Sudanese Head of State and Defense Minister regarding further violations of human rights of detained academics including denial of travel visas for health reasons, harsh treatment of detainees and intimidation by government officials. There is additional concern due to the indefinite closure of Khartoum University following a student strike cutting off students and professors from their place of study.
Reopening of Bethlehem University but continued closure of other Palestinian universities
Second Letter to Israeli Prime Minister expressing approval for the reopening of Bethlehem University after three years but concern that other leading universities in the West Bank and Gaza remain closed depriving students and professors of their places of study and work.
Detention of Sudanese academics
Letter to Sudanese Head of State and Defense Minister regarding the detention of leading professionals including a number of university professors who have been denied family visits and legal representation although none have been charged with any offense.
Extended closure of Palestinian universities
Letter to Israeli Prime Minister regarding extended closure of universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and requesting their reopening to allow students and professors to return to their scholarly pursuits.