Afghan Scholars Condemn US and Israeli Attacks on Iranian Educational Centers
A group of university professors and higher education experts from Afghanistan have issued a statement condemning the United States and Israel for military attacks on certain educational institutions in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement specifically mentioned the Shajareh Tayybeh Minab school and several Iranian universities, expressing deep concern about the consequences of these events.
The signatories stated that the attacks on educational centers, which according to them resulted in the deaths of several students and injuries to teachers and learners, violate established principles of international law, particularly rules concerning the protection of civilians and civilian sites during armed conflicts. They referenced the Geneva Conventions and the principle of distinction between military and civilian targets.
The statement further emphasized that scientific and educational institutions, as non-military entities, enjoy a special status in international documents, and their protection is a legal and moral responsibility for parties involved in conflicts. The scholars believe that harm to these institutions can threaten the right to education and educational security.
Afghan academics also called on the global community, academic bodies, and university figures to take responsible stands on these incidents and work to prevent such occurrences in the future. They urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to take effective measures within its mandate to safeguard educational centers amid armed conflicts.
The statement concluded by expressing that protecting knowledge and educational institutions transcends national borders and requires practical cooperation and commitment from the international community based on principles of international law.
