The Petition

This petition is being initiated by the Norwegian Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH) and the National Union of Students in Norway (NSO). The petition is directed towards local student democracies, deans and university boards at institutions of higher education across Norway. The petition will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, autumn 2012.

Those of us signing this petition recognize that students are often central in forging democratic change, and for that reason, are vulnerable in less democratic states.

We believe that Norway should ensure that students who have been expelled from their schools due to their commitment to democracy and human rights can complete their education in Norway.

We believe that this is a good way for Norway to:

Send a message to authoritarian regimes that we do not support their oppression of students.Show politically active students that don’t need to allow themselves to be silenced or be afraid of getting involved, despite the possibility of expulsion, threats, persecution or violence.Give those that are politically active and vulnerable an opportunity to complete their education, and contribute to creating a decent life to the benefit of themselves and their communities.

Sign the petition here