Following the decision made by the Ministry of Education to transfer 1200 female teachers who wear the face veil in the past month, one of the teachers who was transferred from the Ministry of Education to another ministry in Damascus, has spoken about her experiences. She reported that, “I have never worn the face veil, whether in the street or in the school. However, due to wearing the hijab (head cover), I faced many difficulties from the head teacher of the school I worked in.” She has described his actions as evil and irresponsible, and said she had no option except to stand firm against his inconsiderate conduct.

She also said that she was shocked to learn that an malicious report was written against her by the head teacher, which led to a decision to transfer her alongside other teachers who wore the face veil and the head scarf. She was transferred to a department, in which the employees are only males, a circumstance of great embarrassment for her.

The teacher concluded by saying, “I have reached the pinnacle of despair due to the lack of department to whom I can complain and seek support from.” Having lost all hope, she is even not caring if her name was made known; she added that there are numerous employees whose cases are similar to hers.

Based on the numerous and similar facts which have reached the Syrian Human Rights Committee (SHRC), SHRC calls upon the minister of Education and the concerned authorities to repel its decision to transfer teachers, as it contradicts the guarantee of individual freedom for all citizens shrined in the Syrian Constitution; despite the fact that many misconceptions, malicious reports, and liquidation of personal hostilities took place in order to enforce the decision.

Syrian Human Rights Committee
11/8/2010