UAB takes steps and creates agenda to respond to the crisis in Ukraine

Few days after the start of the military attacks on civilian population, the universities in Ukraine were forced to close their doors. Urgent messages appeared requesting students, lecturers and researchers, and administrative staff to stay home and protect themselves against the escalating conflict. Once again, war is a threat to the lives, rights and possibility of future of millions of people and Ukraine is now another victim of the numerous armed, political, and social conflicts existing in this world. The citizens of Ukraine, as well as those from Afganistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Nicaragua, Palestine, Irak, and so many more, are forced to flee. In one week, over 1.5 million people have been forced to abandon their homes and many more will seek refuge or be internally displaced in the following days. 

As part of their commitment to contributing to global justice, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the Fundació Autònoma Solidària (FAS) have declared their unmitigated rejection of this military aggression, and wish to show their support to all those affected by this and other conflicts. In these first few days, the UAB and the FAS have signed statements made by different university platforms and NGOs and social entities in Catalonia to demand an urgent halt to all armed fighting so that attention can be given to those needing protection. 

From a conviction of peace, the UAB emphasises the need to take on political problems with democratic principles and respect for human rights, and encourages the international community to dedicate all efforts needed to create a real dialogue that guarantees upholding international laws.  

What is being done at the UAB?

Given the complexity of problems across the world, the university can help contribute to the solution of these global challenges. The UAB offers full support to the university communities suffering in this conflict and offers all of its academic, social and citizen potential to: 

• Generate and transfer scientific knowledge on the cuases and consequences of conflicts, offering critical analysis tools to citizens on international realities.

• Identify and disseminate opportunities for peacebuilding, problem-solving and violence prevention measures. 

• Establish support networks between the UAB and the university community in Ukraine, both in terms of institutional collaborations and in protecting those most at risk. Since 2016, the FAS/UAB refugee Welcome Programme offers support to students, administrative staff, and lecturers and researchers who are forcefully displaced to have the opportunity to continue their academice education or research at the UAB. Under the framework of the same initiative, the UAB campus also offers housing to those seeking international protection. 
• Promote citizen participation within the UAB community in connection with human rights defense actions, particularly through volunteering programmes, education and awareness-raising campaigns. 

 

And what can you do? 

• Get informed about the situation by checking several rigorous and responsible sources. Use the scientific resources available at university. 
• Reflect upon the possibilities of contributing with your position as student, professional and citizen. Promote the values of dialogue and of a culture of peace when debating with those around you.
• Act, connect and participate in social and political events. Demand your governments to work towards peace and put into action their asylum policies. 
• When possible, donate to organisations providing humanitarian aid, international cooperation and citizen support. For recommendations visit the websites of Lafede.cat - organitzacions per a la justícia global and Govern de la Generalitat.

Want to share a proposal? 

As part of the crisis committee created to respond to the situation in Ukraine, the FAS is coordinating university responses at the UAB campus. If you are part of the university community you can send your proposals and questions to: fas.cooperacio@uab.cat

UAB actions agenda (to be updated periodically):

• 7 March from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aula 501, Faculty of Arts & Humanities and through the TEAMS platform. Debate on the  “War in Ukraine: origins of the conflict”.

• 14, 16, 21, 23 and 28 March (Mondays and Wednesdays), from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Registration required. "Peace and Conflict Education Workshops", organised by the School for a Culture of Peace, with the support of the FAS. The workshops will be worth ECTS credits. Analysis of the Ukrainian conflict from the perspective of a culture of peace.

• Wednesday 16 March at 1 p.m. Plaça Cívica, UAB. Open event. "Proposals for peace and resistance" , debate on civil society's positions on the Ukrainian conflict.