Several institutions have admitted Gazan students and academics to degree programmes, fellowships or research positions. Due to the current situation, however, they are unable to leave Gaza unless they are put forward for evacuation by an authorised organisation, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the signatories, this requires active involvement from the ministry.
Dutch education and knowledge institutions have long supported students and researchers from conflict areas or countries where academic freedom is under pressure. The institutions again point to their responsibility to help ensure access to education and science. They are therefore urging the ministry to act swiftly for students and academics from Gaza who hold a provisional residence permit or a valid visa. “In doing so, we send a clear signal, with modest means, in keeping with the Netherlands’ open tradition of education and science.”
The appeal has been co-signed by administrators from Radboud Universiteit, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit Maastricht, Universiteit Utrecht, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Haagse Hogeschool en het NIAS.