The Governing Council of the Universitat de València met in ordinary session on Tuesday, 28 May, and has approved a new stance entitled ‘The UV’s commitment to Palestine’. UV’s Principal informed the Governing Council of the university’s actions in this matter.
The Governing Council approved the stance ‘The UV’s commitment to Palestine’, with 46 votes in favour and no abstentions or votes against. In order to find a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the university calls for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and the start of a process of dialogue and negotiation. The institution also demands that Israel allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and respect international law.
Currently, the UV does not uphold any collaboration agreements with universities, institutions or research centres in Israel, and the Governing Council vows not to sign any agreement with these institutions until the crimes against humanity and the systematic and grave violations of human rights in Palestine cease.
They also agreed to demand that the European Union not allow Israel access to European R+D funding. The UV will also increase cooperation with the Palestinian scientific and higher education system. This is reflected in the approval of 3 collaboration agreements with Palestinian universities.
The Governing Council’s stance is to review potential relations with entities or companies that do not comply with international humanitarian law. The UV will also include social clauses in the institution’s public procurement, thus excluding the companies benefiting from human rights violations, in accordance with the UN recommendations and guidelines.
Finally, the Governing Council will call on the Spanish Government to cease the military cooperation and arms exports to Israel and to restore the universal jurisdiction in order to prevent impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Read the full text of the Governing Council’s stance here.
On Tuesday, 28 May, in the ordinary session in the Office of the Principal, Maria Vicenta Mestre addressed the Governing Council with a convincing argument: ‘There cannot be any doubt about the position of the UV’s governing bodies, given that they have stated in the Senate’s stance on February 22 2024 that the university demands a ceasefire, respect for human rights and international law, and the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.’
The rejection of human rights violations
‘The human rights violations committed by Israel in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, are completely inadmissible. They are massacring civilians, destroying civilian infrastructure and especially essential public services such as health centres, hospitals, schools, high schools, universities and research centres.’
‘Nevertheless, it is important to note that we continue to demand the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas’, continued the President in her report.
After condemning the terrorist attack in Afghanistan and the Taliban regime ‘which limits freedom, gender equality and diversity’, Mestre recalled that the war in Ukraine is still happening, as well as the violation of the international law, and insisted on continuing to condemn this war started by Russia.
The UV’s lesson: facts, not just words, solidarity over individualism
The Principal has expressed that the UV’s commitment to Palestine ‘is not just words, but facts’, that ‘we accomplished it with resources’, and that ‘this is the lesson we offer as a university’. She alludes to the commitment of the UV’s many centres to provide resources for the Refuge Plan grants, as well as the 3 collaboration agreements with Palestinian universities and awareness raising activities.
Maria Vicenta Mestre has stated that ‘we are in contact with the Palestinian organisations with whom we collaborate’, and emphasised the common goal and the collaboration spirit based on ‘real commitment and solidarity, since there is not place for individualism in solidarity.’
The President thanked the whole university community for their commitment to Palestine and, in particular, the work carried out by different university structures and services, which have made past and future activities possible, as well as agreements with Palestinian universities.
Refuge Plan Grants Programme
In her report, the Principal recalled that ‘we cannot forget about our previous stances, or use solidarity for media engagement. That is the reason why we continue with the Refuge Grant Programme in Afghanistan.’
Mestre has reported a budget of 161,200 euros for 9 grants for the Refuge Plan, whose preference is given to Afghan women, who were also offered a grant last year. The university also intends to open a grant line for Palestinian refugees, so these students can continue their training – undergraduate or graduate – at the Universitat de València. They will also receive accommodation, food support, an allowance, free registration fees, transport to Valencia and student insurance.
Read more about the call for grants here.
