A statement from the ACU about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the university students and staff of Ukraine, as well as the entire population of the country.
Today, the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which represents more than 500 universities across the Commonwealth, stands in solidarity with the university students and staff of Ukraine, as well as the entire population of the country. We are deeply shocked by the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
The ACU is dedicated to building a better world through higher education. We believe that international collaboration is central to this and by bringing universities together from around the world, we help to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds, and improve lives. International university partnerships increase our ability to solve the most intractable of problems, from climate change to global pandemics. The exclusion of any voice from this process, regardless of nationality, is to the detriment of humanity
The ACU calls for the respect of international humanitarian law, the right to education and the protection of teachers, scholars and university personnel. We, stand by our universities, educators and members offering support to those affected in Ukraine and are committed to assisting the global educational community in welcoming and protecting those who have been placed at-risk or become displaced by this conflict.
It is now more important than ever through international educational collaboration to promote understanding and despite the grim situation, we hope for restraint, reflection and a rapid end to this conflict.
We encourage our members and supporters to support the people of Ukraine in any way that they can. In particular, we would like to highlight the work of the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA). Further details, including how to donate, are available here.