R2: European Students at Risk programme

Across the globe from Belarus and Myanmar to Hong Kong, Turkey and Iran, student activists face severe persecution for their efforts to promote human rights, democracy, and the right to education. They are at risk of being imprisoned, tortured and/ or persecuted. There’s been an increase in the oppression of critical voices by authorities. As one example we have Masha Amini - an Iranian woman arrested in Tehran for opposing mandatory hijab and subsequent death in police custody, which sparked a wave of protests throughout Iran in September 2022. Additionally the Iranian regime followed up with 409 attacks directly attached to student expressions and the poisoning of more than a thousand girls in fifty eight schools in August 2023. Consequently, it is crucial to implement protection measures for these student activists and others who are vulnerable.

Furthermore, in June 2024, Georgia passed the repressive Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, which severely restricts civil society, particularly targeting young activists, many of whom are students. By imposing oppressive state surveillance and registering them as 'organizations serving the interests of a foreign power', this law led to widespread human rights violations, with peaceful demonstrators facing arrests, tear gas, and violence. The dangerous rise in such restrictive policies in Europe, whether it is Georgia, Belarus, or beyond the European continent, threatens the safety and freedom of student activists, forcing many to flee their home countries in search of safety. The Federation of European Greens stands in solidarity with these young activists, advocating for democracy and human rights.

Across the globe from Belarus and Myanmar to Hong Kong, Turkey and Iran, student activists face severe persecution for their efforts to promote human rights, democracy, and the right to education. They are at risk of being imprisoned, tortured and/ or persecuted. There’s been an increase in the oppression of critical voices by authorities. As one example we have Masha Amini - an Iranian woman arrested in Tehran for opposing mandatory hijab and subsequent death in police custody, which sparked a wave of protests throughout Iran in September 2022. Additionally the Iranian regime followed up with 409 attacks directly attached to student expressions and the poisoning of more than a thousand girls in fifty eight schools in August 2023. Consequently, it is crucial to implement protection measures for these student activists and others who are vulnerable.

The Students at Risk programme is an important programme in the fight for democracy, freedom of speech and human rights as it protects the fundamental right to education.

We recognise the importance of this programme, especially bearing in mind the oppression students face even in some of the Western countries. Largest example of this happening can be seen when it comes to the protests of students across Europe advocating and protesting of the human rights of Palestinian people and the recognition of State of Palestine

The Federations of Young European Greens (FYEG) is calling for more solidarity and cooperation in Europe. There is a need for a coordinated European approach to ensure that students at risk can complete their studies. We are seeing an urgent need for a programme that supports student's rights in the European Union, which can provide rapid assistance in emergency circumstances and ensure the right to education.

Given the increasing persecution of student activists, it is non-negotiable that the European Union applies pressure on governments to respect human rights and democratic principles. This includes advocating for repealing repressive laws like those in Georgia, especially for countries aspiring to join the EU. The EU should extend its support by hosting and protecting these young activists.