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News & Press: ELIA NEWS & EVENTS

ELIA Reiterates Its Call for Cease-fire in Palestine, Israel and Neighbouring Regions

Monday 7 October 2024  

7 October 2024

 

In the past year the violent conflict in Palestine and Israel has caused tremendous suffering claiming over 40,000 lives1 . We are now witnessing an escalation of military action involving other countries, in particular Lebanon and Iran. The humanitarian crisis and occupation in Gaza continues, and civilians based there and in neighbouring regions are increasingly affected by war, displacement and starvation.

In light of these circumstances, the ELIA Representative Board reiterates its urgent call for a cease-fire and peaceful resolution in the region. The Representative Board updates its statements dated 31 May 2024 and 5 December 2023 as follows:

ELIA condemns in the strongest terms all violations of human rights and international law reported in Palestine, Israel and neighbouring countries. We urge all actors involved to enact an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the neighbouring region. We call on the international political community including the European Commission and Council to use their diplomatic power to reinforce efforts towards a peaceful resolution, ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. ELIA advocates for the unequivocal protection of all civilians, and the release of civilians held hostage. We stand in solidarity with those affected and displaced by this conflict and humanitarian crisis.

ELIA is a firm advocate for education as a fundamental human right and cornerstone of society, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The destruction of schools, universities and the mass displacement of people in Gaza is making access to education nearly impossible2. Thousands of students are affected, their safety, well-being and futures in jeopardy. As a leading international network in higher arts education and research, we demand, on behalf of the ELIA membership, that the right to education must be protected and the education infrastructure destroyed by this conflict must be restored as soon as possible.

We also acknowledge that the conflict is affecting higher education globally. Universities are experiencing protests and intensified public debate around campaigns for an academic boycott of Israel. We firmly believe that the voices of students and academics are vital. ELIA unequivocally supports the right to peaceful protest and to freedom of expression. We encourage constructive dialogue between protesters, institution representatives, and government agencies.

ELIA remains a steadfast advocate for freedom and peace. We believe that the values of international solidarity must be nurtured through exchange and collaboration between academics and educators across borders, and, most importantly, through a commitment to our shared humanity. We reiterate that ELIA stands against all forms of discrimination and racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.

We are committed to ensuring that our actions align with ELIA values in response to this rapidly escalating situation.

Endorsed by

The ELIA Representative Board
7 October 2024

ELIA’s Initiatives

ELIA is engaging with higher arts education communities, international experts, and thought leaders to address the questions that are being raised on the role of higher arts education institutions in relation to this conflict. We facilitate this discussion by creating brave spaces for international dialogue, embracing a plurality of perspectives, guided by frameworks of mutual respect. Our most recent initiatives are:

  • ELIA Dialogue Series: Higher Arts Education in Times of Crisis
  • ELIA Biennial Conference 2024, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Platform Session (will discuss the role of higher arts institutions in addressing political challenges that affect their communities).

 

 

1Source: Reuters, 1 October 2024, link. This includes deaths in Gaza and Israel only. Related military actions are also causing loss of lives in neighbouring countries, in particular in Lebanon.
2Source: Unicef, 9 September 2024, link.

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