The International Association for Pattern Recognition supports our academic community in Turkey
After the attempted coup in Turkey earlier in July, the Turkish government has taken measures that have restricted researchers’ and teachers’ freedom of expression and thereby academic freedom in the country. A significant number of academics has been dismissed or suspended from their duties.
Freedom of expression and academic freedom are fundamental rights. Respecting these rights is important not only for the quality of academic research and higher education, but also for the well-functioning of the society at large. Therefore, the measures and restrictions directed at academics and researchers in Turkey are worrisome. Both the European University Association (EUA) and the organization Scholars at Risk have already espressed their support for the academic community in Turkey.
On behalf of the IAPR Executive Committee, I share this statement with the IAPR community. We express concern and urge a prompt resolution. We also affirm our strong support for our Turkish colleagues, researchers and academics. At the same time, we welcome the decision by the Turkish authorities to allow academics to travel and to attend conferences, such as the upcoming International Conference on Pattern Recognition (ICPR) in Cancun on December 4—8, 2016.
Uppsala July 29, 2016
Sincerely,
Ingela Nyström
President of the International Association for Pattern Recognition (IAPR)
Information:
Response from the Council of Higher Education
EUA statement condemning the forced resignation of 1577 university deans
SAR urges expression of support for Turkey’s threatened higher education sector