Ireland signs European statement condemning Russia aggression against Ukraine - Minister Harris
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today signed a statement on behalf of Ireland condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The key aim of this statement is to signal support for higher education students and staff in Ukraine and to suspend Russia’s rights of representation on all structures and activities of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Across Europe we are united in our belief that Russia must face consequences for its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.
“It is unfortunate, but absolutely appropriate for Russia to be suspended from all involvement in the EHEA. We must continue to offer our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“This includes ensuring that those affected by the war can access higher education. I am heartened that the university sector in Ireland is fully behind plans to support Irish students fleeing Ukrainian so they continue their studies here.
“There is also a collective agreement that Ukrainian students should be treated as EU citizens and offered the same access and supports to pursue higher education in Ireland as those from Member States.
"It is important to remember that the actions of the Putin administration are not the actions of the Russian people. We have many Russian students studying here in Ireland and we have been providing support and care to them. We will continue to do so. They deserve our assistance."
The statement, which has been signed by 18 other countries, condemns in the strongest terms the armed attack on Ukraine by the Russian Federation in violation of international law and calls for the following actions:
The full statement, in multiple languages, has been published on the website of the Czech Ministry of Education. It will be regularly updated as more signatories are added.