(Beirut, October 16, 2026) – Syrian authorities have imposed admissions rules that bar women from most programs at two new state universities focused on defense and security, with applications closing on October 19, 2026, Human Rights Watch said today. The discriminatory rules clearly violate Syria’s international legal obligations and are part of a concerning pattern of actions by the transitional authorities that restrict women’s role in state institutions and reinforce gender stereotypes.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on September 30 that admission to programs in law, economics and management, and social sciences at the National University of Defense Sciences is reserved for men. At the Syrian University for Security Sciences, women can only apply to cybersecurity programs.…