NIAS supports call on minister to evacuate academics and students from Gaza

Several institutions have admitted Gazan researchers and students to 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 researchers and students 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 researchers and students 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 Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS), Radboud University, University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, Maastricht University, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences.