The Academic Senate of Unimore approves a motion for peace, condemns the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and supports humanitarian initiatives aimed at reopening safe corridors
At its meeting on 30 September, the Academic Senate of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia unanimously approved a motion of strong civic and institutional commitment, reaffirming the will of the academic community to take a clear stand on the side of peace, international law, and the defence of human rights. This resolution takes a stand in a dramatic moment, marked by open conflicts in several areas of the world, and in particular by the occupation and devastation of the Gaza Strip, which the United Nations Commission of Inquiry has recognised as constituting genocide.
The motion, proposed by Rector Carlo Adolfo Porro, opens with three key statements that define the core of Unimore’s commitment: the hope for an immediate cessation of hostilities in all war zones; the demand to end the siege and destruction of Gaza, with explicit reference to the ongoing genocide; and the support for humanitarian initiatives aimed at reopening safe corridors for food, water, and medicines.
The document begins by recalling the framework of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, underlining the devastating impact of these crises on civilian populations and on global geopolitical relations.
Unimore’s resolution is part of a long-standing commitment to promoting a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence. Since its foundation, the University has been a member of RUniPace, the Network of Universities for Peace promoted by the CRUI; it is actively involved in the National PhD in Peace Studies, entirely dedicated to peace and conflict resolution, for which it has strengthened its financial commitment by doubling the number of doctoral scholarships offered.
Another significant initiative concerns participation in the IUPALS project – Italian Universities for Palestinian Students – which will enable a Palestinian student to enrol in a Unimore course thanks to a scholarship fully funded by the University, including travel expenses.
The motion is consistent with Unimore’s recent decisions concerning research ethics. The University has established a Dual Use Commission, tasked with drafting guidelines to monitor contracts and collaborations so as to exclude applications in the military field. The approved text provides that the Commission shall report at least every six months on the outcome of its reviews regarding universities, research institutions and businesses, with the possibility of terminating relations with entities involved in violations of international law.
The motion also recalls Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which rejects war; Article 9, which promotes culture and scientific research; and the arrest warrant issued in November 2024 by the International Criminal Court against Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Finally, the Senate reaffirms its intention to promote research and teaching on peace, human rights, global health, and international cooperation, encouraging multidisciplinary approaches involving the various Departments and Centres of the University.
The motion reiterates the call for the cessation of hostilities, the recognition of the gravity of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the initiation of processes of dialogue and negotiation, respect for international law, and the opening of humanitarian corridors, while declaring its strong support for all initiatives of concrete solidarity.
Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng
Articolo pubblicato da: Ufficio Stampa Unimore - ufficiostampa@unimore.it