IFCU Declaration on the situation in the Middle East

IFCU Declaration on the situation in the Middle East

The International Federation of Catholic Universities strongly condemns the unprecedented outbreak of violence in the Middle East and the violent attacks against innocent citizens. The Federation calls for Peace, tolerance, respect for others, for Human Dignity and International Law.

The resort to violence poses a strong challenge to the Catholic universities in the region. These universities have always been places of encounter and peace-making. The International Federation of Catholic Universities wants to express close solidarity with and support for the entire academic community of scholars and students in the Middle East and particularly with those in the Catholic universities.

The International Federation of Catholic Universities is a global organisation founded in 1924 with the mission of strengthening international academic cooperation, precisely in the wake of one of the most ravaging conflicts on the European continent, in the belief that a free and values-based higher education is crucial to the advancement of justice, human rights and the rule of law.

Sharing the anguish and concern of our members, we call on all sides to refrain from further hostile actions that would inflict even more suffering and disregard the principles of International Law.

The Administrative Board of the International Federation of Catholic Universities calls on all of its member universities to express concrete support for scholars and students in the Catholic universities of the Middle East. This can take various forms, such as hosting students and scholars, scholarships, online courses, donations.

The International Secretariat of the Federation is at the disposal of its members, and more generally of those who wish to provide support, to facilitate this assistance.

The IFCU Administrative Board
Friday, October 20, 2023.
University of Saint Joseph (Macao – SAR)