Memo on OFAC Compliance for Academics
This memo offers basic guidance for those seeking to conduct academic research in countries impacted by U.S. sanctions (notably, Iran, Sudan and Syria).
- Syria
Memo on US Supreme Court Decision on IRAP v. Trump upholding September 24, 2017 Presidential Proclamation of Travel Ban
On June 26, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion upholding President Trump’s third Muslim Ban. MESA continues to believe that the travel ban is at odds with fundamental principles upheld by the scholarly community including non-discrimination and a commitment to the free exchange of ideas. MESA will continue to take proactive steps to mitigate the adverse impact of the travel ban on research collaborations, scholarly activities and the students in our community.
Memo on Executive Order to Restrict Entry of Individuals from Designated Middle Eastern Countries
On Monday, March 6, 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed a new Executive Order (EO) that restricts entry into the United States for 90 days for all nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Open Letter Regarding Syrian Armed Attacks on University Campuses
Latest attack by Syrian forces at the University of Aleppo where 80 or more are said to have lost their lives, and more than 150 people were injured.
Call for the release Professor Arif Dalila from prison
Letter to President Bashar Al-Asad calling for the release of Professor Arif Dalila from prison.
Detention and alleged torture of up to 40 students
Letter to President Bashar al-Asad regarding detention and alleged torture of up to 40 students for alleged membership in an unrecognized and unsanctioned student organization.
Arrest and subsequent detention of Professor Arif Dalila
Letter to President Bashar al-Asad regarding the arrest on September 9 and subsequent detention of Professor Arif Dalila following his participation in a meeting of the National Dialogue Forum.
Imprisonment of Syrian doctoral student
Letter to Syrian Authorities concerning the imprisonment of American University of Beirut student Nizar Nayouf for participating in the organization of a human rights association and his subsequent inhumane treatment being kept in solitary confinement and deprivation of medical treatment.
Detention of Syrian academics for political reasons
Letter to Syrian Authorities to express concerns about the detention and mistreatment of academics in Syria for their political affiliations, opinions or participation in groups that government considers subversive.
Imprisonment of Muhammad Ali Habib for activities as a member of an independent human rights organization
Letter to the Syrian President expressing concern over the trial, detention, and mistreatment of Muhammad Ali Habib, Lecturer at University of al-Lathiqiyya and member of the Committee for the Defense of Democratic Reforms and Human Rights in Syria. Dr. Habib was sentenced to nine years imprisonment after a trial that was devoid of the basic elements of due process.
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.
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.