Joint statement from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences on the war in Ukraine

Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine continue to arrive daily in Germany and North Rhine-Westphalia, seeking safety for themselves and their families. The ongoing violence has forced them to leave everything behind and flee their homes. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) expressly supports every single person fleeing Ukraine and vehemently opposes the war: Russia’s actions are in clear violation of both international law and human rights.

As a deeply international institution, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences bears special responsibility. Our mission includes more than advancing international scientific discourse: indeed, we also strive to make meaningful contributions to mutual understanding among cultures in our deeply interconnected world.

• Being truly international requires us to take responsibility for every single person who comes to our doors in the region, in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort. Mutual respect and tolerance are two of our core values. Discrimination, defamation and insults are not welcome here. In light of the war in Ukraine, we would like to affirm here and now that this stance also applies to a person’s group or nationality. We will defend these values.
• As a university deeply rooted in the region, our duty is to inform, generate discussion with and present solutions to the broader public. Our expertise in a wide range of fields and disciplines, as well as our daily experiences in a uniquely international environment are very useful tools to this end. We organise expert talks open to the public in order to better understand current events and offer a forum for ideas and discussion.
• Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences actively works towards a climate of tolerance and mutual respect, a climate of integration and the search for common perspective for all those who have sought us out, together with regional partners, city and county governments, clubs and associations, and companies.
• In line with the recommendations of the University Rectors’ Conference (HRK) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), all institutional collaborations with universities in Russia have been suspended. This also includes jointly-run projects with institutions and officials who have expressed support for the war. At the same time, HSRW also knows that Russian researchers and students who speak out against the war are putting themselves at risk of reprisals and need our support. HSRW recognises its responsibility towards these persons as well and, in the spirit of science diplomacy, will remain open to them as well.
• Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has opened its doors to every person seeking support and new perspectives through a wide range of informational, advising and study-related services and opportunities. Whoever and wherever you are, you are welcome here! Contact us at ukraine@hochschule-rhein-waal.de for individual advising and support.

As an academic institution, we know and understand that crises and opportunities go hand-in-hand and the causes of refugee crises, including the war in Ukraine amongst others, present immense challenges to Germany and Europe as well. We at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences cannot be bystanders: we must live up to our public, social and individual responsibility. The plight of refugees fleeing war and persecution around the world, both now and in past years, demands no less.

More information:

Measures undertaken by HSRW with regard to the war in Ukraine