Reaction to restrictions on Kurdish-language education in Kobanê: ‘Education in one’s mother tongue is a universal right’

In the Şêran district of Kobanê, teachers, students, and families expressed their opposition to the decision by the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Education to limit Kurdish-language instruction to three hours per week, calling for the decision to be revoked.

On the second day of the new academic year in Kobanê, reactions continued against the decision by the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Education to limit Kurdish language instruction to three hours per week.

Teachers, students, and their families in the Şêran district of Kobanê issued a statement opposing the decision. The statement was read in Kurdish by teacher Alya Mistefa and in Arabic by teacher Emel Xelîl.

The statement noted that the mother tongue is a fundamental element of national identity and existence, emphasizing that the right to education in one's mother tongue is a universal and human right.

Teachers and students stated, "Restricting the Kurdish language within the education system does not serve the hopes for peace, social stability, and the construction of a new, democratic Syria."

The statement called on all relevant parties to lift the restrictions on Kurdish-language education and to revoke the decision in question. It also demanded that the education system be restructured based on equality, diversity, multilingualism, and respect for the rights of all components of Syrian society.