Flemish universities of applied sciences endorse university rectors' declaration on the situation in Gaza
18/08/2025
The rectors from the five Flemish universities released a joint declaration on the war in Gaza, urging the Belgian Government to act. The presidents from the thirteen Flemish universities of applied sciences, united in the Council of the Flemish Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts, endorse this declaration.
Artevelde UAS also supports this call. By joining this declaration, Artevelde UAS emphasises the importance of international collaboration and peace. Dehumanising violence — of any origin — must be condemnded unambiguously.
We are aware that the violence in the Middle East has a big impact here as well, for students and colleagues who have family or friends in the area, and for everyone who feels involved. We understand their despair, consternation, anger, and grief.
Artevelde UAS wants to be a tolerant and safe place for them all. Everyone should feel welcome in our UAS. We want to offer a warm environment with room for dialogue and connection, far from polarisation. That is why we condemn any form of hatred, which may be fuelled by this war, such as antisemitism or Islamophobia.
The full statement can be read on the website of the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR).