UWN – Canvassing student and staff views on the niqab

By Wagdy Sawahel. A United Nations human rights committee finding on 23 October that the French ban on the full-body veil violated women’s freedom of religion is likely to intensify debate on the issue of the niqab in society, and at universities around the world.
In addition to France, bans and partial bans instituted on veils have remained in place in Belgium, Bulgaria, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands, according to a Washington Post report. Face coverings were reportedly also banned in cities or towns in Spain, Italy and Switzerland, and legislation was pending for local or national bans in Germany, Latvia, Finland and Luxembourg.
In Africa, bans have been imposed in Chad, Cameroon, Niger and the Republic of the Congo, according to a news report. Cairo University in Egypt banned the niqab for university staff, claiming it hinders communication, especially during lectures, according to a report. More...