An official statement of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences on the refugee situation in Germany

The Executive Board, Senate, University Council and AStA of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences have joined together to compose an official statement with regard to the situation and perspectives of refugees.

Kleve/Kamp-Lintfort, 24 September 2015: Each day, hundreds of people fleeing war and poverty arrive in Germany and in North Rhine-Westphalia, with the hope of finding a future for themselves and their families in one of the most prosperous countries of the world. They are drawn by the promise of asylum from persecution, a central tenet of the German Grundgesetz, and driven by sheer survival, seeking refuge and sanctuary from the grim reality of years of war and destruction.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences makes it a mission to not only promote scientific discussion at the international level, but also to make a lasting contribution to the mutual understanding between cultures in an interconnected world. As a place of teaching and learning, we well understand that the world, its crises and its opportunities are interconnected and that both Germany and Europe are not isolated from the root causes that have led so many thousands to flee their homes. Each one of these thousands of individual fates demands that we, all members of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, accept and stand true to our public, social and individual responsibilities:

  • To truly ‘live our internationality’, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences must accept and share responsibility for those who come to the region, and to Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort.  We are dedicated to promoting mutual respect and tolerance. Discrimination and racism have no place within our walls.

     
  • As a university deeply rooted in the region, we are also responsible for reaching out to our neighbours and fellow residents. We have a responsibility to inform, explain, discuss, offer solutions and bring together. Our goal is mutual respect and understanding in all areas of society.

     
  • For those who seek safety, support and new perspectives, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences will be ready with opportunity, information, counselling, study courses and individual support from both students and staff. You are always welcome here with us! Our student-organised group Refugee Support (refugeesupport@hsrw.org) offers a way for refugees to contact us directly and receive individualised support for their particular situation. The University is also planning additional German language courses and has decided to waive the standard guest student fee for registered refugees.

     
  • Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences pledges to take practical steps towards promoting a climate of tolerance, mutual respect, seamless integration and common perspectives for all who seek us out by working closely with our regional partners, municipalities and districts, local clubs and associations, and businesses in the area.
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