The Rectors’ Council of French-speaking universities wishes to express its deep concern regarding the attack carried out on 6 January by the Israeli army on the campus of Birzeit University in the West Bank, as well as the violent and systematic repression currently taking place in Iran, which has affected many members of the academic community, including a large number of students.
Universities are, by their very nature, and must remain, spaces of knowledge, dialogue, and free and critical thinking. Beyond the threats they pose to physical and psychological safety, military violence and repressive policies targeting university campuses in the West Bank and in Iran profoundly affect teaching and research activities, undermine the right to education, and erode academic freedom.
The CRef wishes to convey a strong message of solidarity and support to all students and members of staff at the universities directly affected by these events. It also expresses its full support for members of its own academic communities who are personally affected, whether because they originate from the regions concerned, have family or academic ties there, or are involved in collaborations that are now under threat. Their concerns, distress, and sense of helplessness are legitimate and deserve full and careful consideration.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fundamental values of the university, the CRef calls for universities worldwide to be able to carry out their missions safely and without hindrance, and stands alongside all those who, despite extremely difficult conditions, continue to sustain higher education and research.
