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E?itim-Sen, the national Education International’s affiliate, has strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack that killed university students, including one member of the union, in Suruc, Turkey.

The 32 youth activists were holding a news conference when the bomb ripped through the Amara Cultural Centre on 20 July. They had been planning to travel to Syria to help rebuild civil society in the town of Kobane.

Suruc is home to many refugees who have fled fierce fighting between Islamic State (IS) and Kurdish fighters in nearby Kobane. The city was recaptured by Kurdish forces earlier this year.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said there was a “high probability” IS is to blame.

The government has now vowed to increase security at the Syrian border. “What's necessary will be done against whomever is responsible,” said Davutoglu. “This attack targets Turkey.”

He went on to say that 29 of the 100 people who were injured were still being treated in hospital. Funerals have already taken place, including a mass ceremony for 25 victims.

Kobane has an “autonomous, secular and democratic government”, which we have always supported, said E?itim-Sen General Secretary Kamuran Karaca.

After Iraq and Syria, IS has started to attack Kobane, he noted.

Once the war in Kobane ended, many children have gone back to their country, but some stayed in Turkey with their families, he said.

Karaca highlighted that his union has led education activities with them in Kobane and in Turkey, and many students have benefited from this support, the same type of activities than the ones for which young activists went to Suruc.

“To us, the bombing attack was perpetrated by IS against people who support the education of children in Kobane,” he said.

Among the 32 people victims of the attack, two were members of E?itim-Sen, stressed Karaca. One died, and the other one is being treated for severe injuries.

“We condemn this attack and are deeply concerned by it, says the union leader, but it will not stop us from supporting education in the region”.

“The Turkish government should protect our borders, but they do not do what is needed, he said, adding that for a long time the government is said to be close to the IS terrorist organisation”.

E?itim-Sen calls on the government to take responsibility and stop all relationships with the IS.

The teacher union has invited Education International’s member organisations to visit refugee camps in Turkey and support the union education activities.

Photo Credit: François Beauregard