Olaf Taw Association for Syriac Language and Administration of North and East Syria denounce controversial education curriculum changes proposed by HTS-led government

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — The Olaf Taw Association for Syriac Language and the Education Authority of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) have issued strong condemnations of recent curriculum amendments made by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) caretaker government. The changes have been described as an affront to the cultural, religious, and historical heritage of Syria’s diverse ethnic communities.

“These decisions marginalize our heritage and erase parts of the curriculum that celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity,” stated the Olaf Taw Association. “They constitute a clear violation of the rights of indigenous peoples to preserve their language and culture, as guaranteed by international conventions, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and agreements on cultural diversity.”

The Olaf Taw statement called for an immediate reconsideration of the amendments, urging the government to respect Syria’s cultural and historical identity. It emphasized the importance of including educational content that acknowledges the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and all ethnic and religious components as integral contributors to Syrian civilization. The statement further condemned hate speech and the imposition of a singular militant narrative, warning that the marginalization of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and their heritage undermines social unity and erases indigenous identities.

“We believe Syria’s strength lies in its diversity, and respecting this diversity is both a moral and historical obligation,” the Association stated. “Our struggle for the right to education in our native language will persist through all legal and civil means.”

In a related statement, the DAARNES Education Authority, along with its Universities Coordinator and other academic institutions in North and East Syria, also rejected the amendments. They warned that these curriculum changes threaten not only Syria’s identity but also the values of tolerance and coexistence, fostering sectarianism and hatred.

“These amendments could turn Syria into an arena for religious and ethnic conflict,” the DAARNES statement cautioned, urging an immediate halt to the changes and a revision aligned with values of tolerance and respect for diversity. The statement advocated for adopting the current educational model in North and East Syria, which promotes cultural and linguistic diversity within a democratic and ecological framework.

The Authority further warned that the continuation of such policies risks creating a “dark future” for Syria, likening the potential consequences to the instability and oppression seen in Afghanistan.

Both organizations called on Syrians to unite in building a democratic and pluralistic nation that respects the rights of all its people, free from racism, marginalization, or extremist ideologies.