Lift the Siege on Birzeit University
and stop the abuse of freedom of movement and education

Since March 2001, the Israeli occupation forces have been systematically harassing Birzeit University students and staff leading to the brutal digging up of trenches and the bulldozing of the main Ramallah-Birzeit road - the only access to the University. The ensuing protests from the University and its friends, resulted in the reopening of the road, however, the daily roadblocks with lengthy interrogations continued to prevent the students and staff from getting to the University on time. This measure of collective punishment also affected 65,000 citizens commuting daily between the 35 surrounding villages and Ramallah, sometimes forcing everyone to cross the checkpoint on foot.

Since Saturday, June 2, 2001, the occupation forces took more stringent measures and prohibited people from crossing the checkpoint. On protesting this measure, the students and staff were forcibly dispersed by the Israeli military by firing sound and tear-gas bombs as well as rubber bullets.

This collective punishment falls within a broader Israeli policy affecting every level of Palestinian life and society. The closures, delays, intensive harassment and psychological stress have seriously hampered the academic and educational process at the University and will undoubtedly leave a long term negative impact on the student and staff who are confronted daily with these measures at the checkpoint

The Birzeit University community strongly condemns these policies of collective punishment and stands united to break the barriers, open the roads and permanently lift the siege.

The scenes of humiliation, harassment, detention and daily threats on the Israeli checkpoints are in violation of all international laws and human rights declarations.

We call for the freedom of education and for the free and safe movement on the roads
• We demand the immediate lifting of the siege
• We call on all supporters of justice and peace to stand with us in demanding the implementation of all international conventions on human rights.