The Students Activist Support Centre (SASC) leverages its Regional Student at Risk Programs to establish crucial educational sanctuaries, forging strategic partnerships with regional universities. This initiative directly addresses the critical need to provide safe academic havens for student Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) whose education is jeopardized in their home countries. Recognizing that activism often leads to targeted persecution, academic expulsion, or even physical danger, SASC facilitates access to secure educational pathways within partner universities.
These programs prioritize the placement of at-risk students in institutions offering academic continuity and a protective environment. Before placement, rigorous risk assessments are conducted to ensure the safety and suitability of both the student and the host university. SASC works closely with university administrations to streamline admissions processes, secure scholarships, and provide comprehensive support services. This support extends beyond academic assistance, encompassing legal counsel, psychosocial support, and integration into the university community.
By offering these educational sanctuaries, SASC aims to safeguard the academic futures of student HRDs, enabling them to continue their studies without fear of reprisal. The programs also foster regional solidarity, building networks of support among students and academics committed to human rights. Furthermore, SASC’s documentation efforts remain integral, as each placement is meticulously recorded, alongside any instances of continued threat or harassment. This data serves to bolster advocacy for broader academic freedom and to hold perpetrators accountable. In essence, these Regional Student at Risk Programs create vital pathways for at-risk students, ensuring that their pursuit of knowledge and their commitment to human rights are not extinguished by repressive regimes or institutional persecution