Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Stellenbosch University Senate members
Published on 2024-04-10 22:59:57
The University of Cape Town and the University of Western Cape have officially called for a ceasefire and immediate aid to Gaza. As individual members of the Stellenbosch University Senate, we express deep concern about the ongoing massacre and displacement of the Gaza population by the Israeli military since 7 October. The indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians and the destruction of universities in Gaza are appalling. The brutal actions by the Israeli military have caused extreme trauma and suffering among the surviving population.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, based on plausible evidence. Reports show that Israel has destroyed a significant percentage of infrastructure in Gaza, including healthcare facilities, schools, residential buildings, heritage sites, and refugee camps. The destruction of Gaza’s education system and cultural sites is alarming and raises concerns about genocidal intent.
Despite attempts to suppress criticism of Israel’s actions by labeling it as anti-Semitic, it is crucial to address the violations of human rights and international law in Gaza. The UNSC has demanded an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza.
As members of the Stellenbosch University Senate, we acknowledge the mass killings of civilians and the destruction of the education sector in Gaza. We condemn the clampdown on criticism of Israeli policies and support academic freedom in discussing the situation in Gaza. The deliberate targeting of educational institutions in Gaza is a form of cultural genocide that must be addressed.
We call for an immediate ceasefire, the passage of humanitarian aid, and the release of captives in Gaza. We urge the international community to restore the education sector in Gaza and support colleagues who have faced discrimination for speaking out against the atrocities in Gaza. We express solidarity with academic colleagues in Gaza and emphasize the importance of defending academic freedom in discussing the situation.
Signed by individual members of the Stellenbosch University Senate, including professors from various departments, the statement emphasizes the need to address the human rights violations in Gaza and protect academic freedom in discussing the conflict. The destruction and killing in Gaza must be condemned, and efforts should be made to rebuild the education sector and support those affected by the war.
The collective voices of the Stellenbosch University Senate stand against the atrocities in Gaza and advocate for justice, humanitarian aid, and the restoration of academic freedom in discussing the conflict. The statement calls for solidarity with colleagues in Gaza and underscores the importance of upholding human rights and international law in addressing the crisis.
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