Durham University
Durham University
War in Ukraine
Full Statement
The war in Ukraine is of immense concern. We are an international University with a deep commitment to social responsibility and democratic values. We strongly condemn any acts of aggression and specifically the attack on Ukraine being carried out by the Russian government and armed forces. Our thoughts are with all Ukrainian Citizens, especially those who have lost loved ones in this humanitarian disaster.
As an inclusive community, we recognise that people across our University will be affected in many different ways. We would like to express our sorrow and sympathy for the Ukrainian people and all caught up in the conflict. We know that members of our community will continue to treat one another with respect, even in these deeply distressing times.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students is paramount.
All of our students on their year abroad placements in Russia and Ukraine have returned safely to the UK. This has been our first priority.
We have reassured all students returning to the UK early from their year abroad studies that there will be no detriment to their learning outcomes or to the accreditation of this part of this course.
Having assured ourselves of the safety of our staff and students, we have been able to turn our attention to the information available to our community and to our position on related matters.
This is a fast moving, worsening situation and we still need to work through the wider implications.
In line with the UK Government, our major funders and the higher education sector more generally, we have reviewed our research collaborations with institutions and other entities in Russia and Belarus. Durham University is suspending all bilateral research collaborations with organisations in these countries. No new research collaborations with Russia or Belarus will be initiated while Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.
We continue to have a great respect for the Russian people and are appreciative of the many contributions made by Russian colleagues and students with whom we have worked.
We are committed to supporting all staff and students who are impacted by this worsening situation.
https://www.durham.ac.uk/ukraine/statement/
How our Community is Helping
We are working with other local agencies to provide support for those affected by the conflict. We know that many students, colleagues and members of our wider community are providing active support for those who are suffering as a result of the conflict and that many want to help in practical ways.
If you do want to support the humanitarian effort, we have been advised that the best way to do this is to donate via the Disasters Emergency Committee.
There has also been a huge effort by individual members of our community to collect essential goods for transport to Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine to assist the refugee effort.
We would urge anyone considering travelling to those countries to deliver aid in a personal capacity to check the UK Government’s foreign travel advice beforehand to ensure that it is safe to do so. We would also suggest regularly checking travel advice throughout the duration of any trip.
Please also see our Frequently Asked Questions for staff and students for further travel and other advice. UK Government advice is not to travel to Ukraine, Russia or Belarus.
Below you will find a number of links to charities and organisations, including initiatives with which members of our chaplaincy team have links. There is also information on some of the initiatives happening within our own university community, which we will keep updated.
- Durham Ukrainian and Eastern European student Facebook group
- Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal | Disasters Emergency Committee (dec.org.uk)
- British Red Cross
- Ukrainian division of Red Cross
- UNICEF
- Caritas
- Harkiv ‘Proliska’ humanitarian mission that helps civilians in the warzone
- Christian Aid
- The Orthodox Archdiocese of Suceava (which is coordinating round-the-clock assistance in a northern Romanian city near the Ukranian border where thousands of refugees cross every day)
- Ukrainian Institute London
We are also showing our support by working with our partners worldwide in developing our response to the war in Ukraine. Please see the links below for statements from some of our networks and partners.