UN voices concern over blocked access to Syria’s Suwayda exam centers
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations on Saturday expressed concern over reports that students in Syria’s Suwayda Governorate were prevented from reaching examination centers during an exceptional exam session.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria a.i. Marianne Ward said the United Nations was concerned about reports that students were unable to reach examination centers and faced restrictions on their movement.
The UN called on all relevant stakeholders to ensure that students, with the support of their caregivers, can exercise their right to education without pressure or disruption to their movement.
The exceptional exams for students from Suwayda Governorate began on Saturday at examination centers in the northern countryside of the governorate after their start was delayed until 11 a.m. to allow students more time to reach the centers.
The Syrian Ministry of Education said the exams were continuing according to schedule, adding that the necessary arrangements had been completed in coordination with relevant ministries, authorities and Suwayda Governorate.
The ministry said examination papers and materials had been delivered to the centers and supervisors and other assigned staff had arrived.
It expressed regret that not all students were able to reach the examination centers despite the centers being open and preparations being completed.
Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakour said earlier that groups he described as “outlaw groups” were preventing students from leaving the city to reach their examination centers.
The Suwayda Governorate said the delay in the exams was due to the obstruction of students’ movement on their way to the centers.
The exceptional examination session was granted under Presidential Decree No. 163 of 2026, issued on Aug. 19, allowing students from Suwayda Governorate who did not take the 2026 exams, or were unable to complete all subjects, to sit for an exceptional session.