( Basque) (Castellano)
The University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea is firmly committed to human rights and to the rejection of all types of terrorism and violence, which is reflected both in its Statutes and in its Code of Ethics. Such behaviour is contrary to the nature and aims of our university, and we cannot remain passive in the face of it.
In November 2023, the Basque public university expressed its rejection of the tragic events that were taking place in different parts of the world, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Hamas attack on 7 October that caused more than 1,100 deaths and the invasion and attack by the Israeli army against the population of the Gaza Strip.
Since then the situation in Gaza has been deteriorating. Attacks have continued, and the number of Palestinian civilians killed continues to rise: more than 33,000, most of them Palestinian children. A sad record of numbers, surpassing those of other recent conflicts.
The Palestinian university community has suffered the death of more than 95 teachers (including three rectors) and thousands of Gazan students have had their university studies cut short. The situation in Gaza has been described by international organisations as «carnage». In particular, the UN rapporteur for Palestine has described it as an «ostentatious genocide».
In view of the commission of these extremely serious crimes against the Palestinian population, contrary to humanitarian and international law, the University of the Basque Country / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea DEMANDS:
FIRST: Immediate respect for and compliance with the decision of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, particularly the decision that Israel should take the necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide.
SECOND: Immediate respect for and compliance with international humanitarian law and that aid be allowed into the Gaza Strip.
THIRD: An end to the attacks and siege of the civilian population, an end to the shipment of arms to Israel, and the release of all those kidnapped and unjustly imprisoned.
FOURTH: The immediate ceasefire and compliance with international law for the solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the recognition of the Palestinian State.
Furthermore, in view of this situation, the University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea COMMITS TO:
FIRST.- Activate a specific volunteer programme in a framework of collaboration with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Palestine – UNRWA, whose aim is to promote solidarity and commitment to the Palestinian refugee population, through workshops and other initiatives organised by UNRWA Euskadi.
SECOND.- To expand our programme of attention to refugees in order to be able to attend specifically to the needs of the Palestinian refugee population and to explore the possibility of establishing a collaboration agreement with Palestinian university institutions.
THIRD.- To create within EHUgune a space for reflection and debate with civil society on the defence of human rights and the culture of peace: BakeGune. This space, in addition to facilitating common places for reflection and debate, will coordinate actions and proposals from the university community to collaborate in the restoration of peace and well-being in the region, avoiding any expression of hatred.
FOURTH: To promote joint initiatives within the framework of CRUE-Universities to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to develop programmes that promote a future horizon of peace.
FIFTH.- To review and avoid commercial or academic relations with those who do not respect human rights, international law or the resolutions of the United Nations regarding the situation in Palestine. Furthermore, as established in our Code of Ethics, the university will not collaborate or contribute to the development or promotion of war or violent activities. In particular, it undertakes not to maintain and to break off relations with Israeli universities and entities that do not expressly reject the crimes against humanity that are taking place in Palestine.
