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UCC statement on the conflict in Gaza
The ongoing conflict in Gaza is heinous, abhorrent, and heart-breaking. University College Cork (UCC) has previously stated that the destruction of homes, hospitals, universities, and schools in Gaza must cease and aid must immediately reach those suffering. UCC stands firmly with the national and international calls for an end to violence, the release of hostages and an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
UCC supports the position of the International Court of Justice of 26 January 2024 that ‘Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.’ It notes with additional concern the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024 that found the occupation by the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be unlawful, a situation that must be brought to an end ‘as rapidly as possible’. Clearly, the United Nations must redouble its efforts to urgently find a permanent peaceful resolution, built on the foundation of respect for human rights of all.
Substantial and meaningful actions
UCC is committed to academic freedom and strongly supports the engagement of University researchers in the processes of academic inquiry that contribute to knowledge and truth seeking. The University is committed to the freedom of expression which permits staff and students to exchange ideas and opinions, and we recognise and support the right of members of our community to engage in peaceful protest.
During the last number of weeks, the university has engaged in constructive discussions with members of the UCC BDS group, with the support of the Students’ Union (SU). Through dialogue the University has worked together to advance our commitments to ensure that UCC does all within its ability to respond to the crisis in Gaza and to advance peace and human rights more generally.
UCC leadership has worked with the SU Executive and the UCC BDS group to develop a set of substantial actions that the University is advancing through a time-bound action plan as both an emergency response to the crisis in Palestine and to strengthen the protection of human rights across all our activities.
One of these actions is a Working Group to review UCC’s relationships with Palestinian and Israeli institutions. The terms of reference of this group have been approved by the university leadership team and will include both student and staff members.
Other actions UCC has committed to include:
- The establishment of a Palestine Emergency Response Working Group tasked with identifying immediate measures to support the education of Palestine students and the work of scholars at risk in line with our status as a University of Sanctuary.
- The development of an ethical/human rights framework for all partnerships. UCC is also advocating for an ethical/ human rights framework at a national level.
- A request for societal impact, including Human Rights violations, will be added to new procurement tenders until the ethical/human rights framework is in place.
- UCC had just one fund with exposure to an Israeli financial institution and this has already been divested.
Underpinned by commitments to transparency and accountability, UCC is actively advancing these and the other actions agreed. By working together, significant, and meaningful action that will give effect to our common objectives in support of global peace and human rights can be achieved.