Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Simon Harris, has today signed a statement on behalf of Ireland condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The key aim of this statement is to signal support for higher education students and staff in Ukraine and to suspend Russia’s rights of representation on all structures and activities of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Across Europe, we are united in our belief that Russia must face consequences for its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.
“It is unfortunate but absolutely appropriate for Russia to be suspended from all involvement in the EHEA. We must continue to offer our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“This includes ensuring that those affected by the war can access higher education. I am heartened that the university sector in Ireland is fully behind plans to support Irish students fleeing Ukrainian so they continue their studies here.
“There is also a collective agreement that Ukrainian students should be treated as EU citizens and offered the same access and supports to pursue higher education in Ireland as those from the Member States.
“It is important to remember that the actions of the Putin administration are not the actions of the Russian people. We have many Russian students studying here in Ireland and we have been providing support and care to them. We will continue to do so. They deserve our assistance.”
The statement, which has been signed by 18 other countries, condemns in the strongest terms the armed attack on Ukraine by the Russian Federation in violation of international law and calls for the following actions:
- The suspension of Russia’s rights of representation in all structures and activities of the EHEA. This would also be extended to any EHEA member states who may assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine
- Support for higher education in Ukraine including financial support for Ukrainian institutions, intensifying cooperation and generally ensuring the continued involvement of Ukrainian students and staff in European higher education
- Enabling Ukrainian students or potential students to continue or access higher education if they have to flee Ukraine or are unable to return
- That the above measures must extend beyond the immediate emergency: once accepted in a study programme, students should be allowed to complete the programme even if the situation in Ukraine would make it possible to return earlier
- Offering refuge and provisional work opportunities for academic staff who have to flee Ukraine or who cannot return
- Extending similar assistance to foreign students and staff who are unable to pursue their studies or work at Ukrainian higher education institutions
- Cease contact and cooperation with any central government agency of Russia or any other country that actively supports the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to ensure that they only engage in cooperation with organizations and institutions from Russia where these are clearly based on shared European values
- Recognise the courage shown by those members of Russian civil society who are engaging in protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in spite of great personal risk and ask all members and consultative members of the EHEA to offer support and protection to members of the Russian higher education community taking a public stance against the invasion