Appeal for the Protection of Teachers, Students, and Education in Rojava

To: Education International

With respect and appreciation,

The Kurdistan Teachers’ Union – Iraq extends its sincere greetings and highest regards to you, and highly appreciates the prominent role your organization plays in defending teachers’ rights, protecting education, and promoting the values of peace and human rights worldwide.

We are writing to you today to express our strong condemnation of the ongoing military escalation, violence, and repeated attacks taking place in the Kurdish regions of Syria, particularly in Western Kurdistan (Rojava). These acts seriously threaten the safety of civilians and place the lives of innocent people—among them teachers and students—at grave risk.

The continuation of these conflicts constitutes not only a blatant violation of human rights and the educational and humanitarian values we all uphold, but also raises serious concerns about the deterioration of stability and the possible return of terrorism and the emergence of new extremist groups, including ISIS. Such developments pose a direct threat to education, social peace, and the security of Syria and the entire region.

Based on our trade union and moral responsibility, the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union – Iraq affirms its full solidarity with teachers, students, and all affected civilians, and stresses the urgent need to protect educational institutions, halt the targeting of schools and teachers, and guarantee children’s right to safe and stable education away from the horrors of war and conflict.

We therefore call upon your esteemed organization, given its international standing and broad influence, to play an active role in:

- Condemning violations against education and teachers in these regions.

- Exerting pressure on the relevant parties to stop the violence and protect civilians and educational institutions.

- Mobilizing international support and trade union solidarity with affected teachers and students.

- Supporting efforts aimed at achieving peaceful solutions based on dialogue and respect for human rights.

At the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union – Iraq, we firmly believe that peace, dialogue, and respect for diversity and peoples’ rights are the fundamental pillars for protecting future generations, ensuring a safe future for education, and preventing the return of terrorism in all its forms.

Please accept our highest consideration and respect.

Kurdistan Teachers’ Union – Iraq

Secretariat Office

20/1/2026