BFH statement on the current developments in Ukraine

01.03.2022 The University Executive Board of Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH is joining the national and international non-violent expressions of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and supports the statement published by swissuniversities.

The University Executive Board (FHL) of Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH is deeply concerned by the current developments in Ukraine. The images and information are unsettling, and show the suffering of people who have been robbed of their freedom, security and integrity overnight. Fundamental human rights and achievements in social and territorial integrity are being gravely violated by acts of aggression that are unacceptable under international law.

As a university, BFH feels compelled to stand in solidarity with those affected and wants to fulfil this duty in line with its guiding principles, in which it expresses humanist values. The FHL is joining the national and international non-violent expressions of solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Its thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of this conflict.

BFH wants to use the possibilities available to it as a university and offer support in the current crisis, wherever it can and wherever it is needed.

  • Support services for Ukrainian and Russian BFH members are currently being looked into. To this end, BFH is intensifying its cooperation with the Counselling Centre Universities of Bern and is in close contact with the universities in the canton of Bern and with swissuniversities.
  • As a member of Scholars at Risk, BFH plans to increase the quota for the admission of academics in danger. 
  • BFH is making contact with Ukrainian universities and cooperation partners in order to stabilise ties and provide support, without any red tape. 

Although BFH cannot directly influence the course of the war, it can use the resources available to it as part of a global knowledge network to help alleviate the plight of those affected in the academic sphere.

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Category: University of applied sciences