Petition is addressed to: UiT Rector’s Office – the highest executive authority in the university. UiT Ethics Committee (Etikkutvalget)

In recent weeks, disturbing public statements have circulated online by your institution’s professor Dr. Farhat Taj that glorify violence in Afghanistan and echo language historically used to justify terror, proxy wars, and the destruction of entire communities.
Phrases such as “Kabul and Kandahar must burn” recall a dark era when extremist propaganda encouraged attacks that cost millions of Afghan lives and displaced generations. Today, as airstrikes again hit civilian areas in Afghanistan — killing and injuring innocent women and children — it is deeply alarming to see similar rhetoric repeated by individuals who live and work in peaceful democratic societies.
We believe that any individual representing a Norwegian educational or academic institution bears a moral and professional duty to uphold the values of peace, equality, and human dignity.
When those in positions of trust express support for or attempt to justify violence, they undermine Norway’s democratic foundations and cause further trauma to refugees and survivors of war who have sought safety here.
We, the undersigned, therefore call upon:

UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, and all higher education institutions in Norway, to immediately review and clarify their ethical and professional guidelines concerning hate speech, extremist rhetoric, and public glorification of violence.
Relevant oversight bodies — including the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir)and the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud (LDO) — to ensure that university employees and affiliates adhere strictly to Norway’s democratic and human rights principles.
Academic leaders and public figures to reaffirm their commitment to peace, tolerance, and responsible expression in all public and professional contexts.
Freedom of speech carries responsibility. Academic freedom cannot be used as a shield for celebrating the suffering of others. We urge Norwegian institutions to take a clear and principled stand against rhetoric act if its staff Dr. Farhat Taj that dehumanizes victims of conflict or incites hatred.
Let Norway remain a place of peace, compassion, and accountability.
Reason
Why This Is Important
Norway is a peaceful and democratic country built on respect for human rights, equality, and freedom of belief. These values are what make Norway a safe home for thousands of refugees, survivors of war, and people who escaped from violence and extremism.
When individuals who live, work, or teach in Norwegian institutions publicly glorify violence or repeat extremist slogans, they harm not only the Afghan community, but the moral credibility of Norway’s academic and democratic systems.
Such rhetoric — for example, celebrating the burning of Afghan cities or the killing of civilians — is not a political opinion. It is hate speech that dehumanizes victims and reopens deep wounds for those who have already suffered from war.
Academic and public figures have a special responsibility to use their freedom of expression in ways that promote peace, not hate. If extremist or violent language is ignored or tolerated inside universities, it risks normalizing hatred, undermining trust in education, and sending the wrong message to young people who look to educators as moral examples.
Taking action now means:

Protecting Norway’s international reputation as a defender of human rights.
Ensuring that academic freedom is used responsibly and ethically.
Standing in solidarity with the victims of war and those who seek peace.
Silence or inaction would make institutions complicit in the normalization of extremism.
This petition calls for accountability, transparency, and a reaffirmation of Norway’s commitment to peace and humanity.