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Conflict zones and human rights violations

The UvA collaborates with many partners both locally and internationally. This is a great asset because free academic exchange leads to better research and global connections. Our globally shared scientific methods are stronger than political differences. However, this freedom is not unlimited.

The UvA has an advisory committee, consisting of experienced scientists, faculty members, and policy staff, which assesses our research collaborations based on the 'Policy Framework for Collaboration with Third Parties.'

Collaboration with organizations in war and conflict zones

Our current framework is insufficient for evaluating collaboration in war and conflict zones. The framework primarily addresses research projects, while current discussions also include educational collaborations with other universities. Additionally, the framework focuses solely on new collaborations, while the outbreak of war and conflict can also raise questions about existing collaborations. Until the revision of our ethical framework is complete, we will not enter into new institutional collaborations in areas experiencing war.

The principle remains that we want to keep opportunities for scientific collaboration as open as possible, but at the same time, we do not want to become involved in human rights violations or war crimes through these collaborations.

Think with us about international collaboration

Join us this week on denkmee.uva.nl to actively think through ethical and moral aspects of international scientific collaboration, in particular collaboration between the UvA and partners located in war zones or areas where human rights are being violated. 

Share your input from 1-5 July

What are the plans?

  • A broad and inclusive ad hoc working group is working on recommendations for additions to the current evaluation framework. Experts in the field of (international) cooperation, including members of the Advisory Committee on Cooperation with Third Parties, are participating.
  • In each faculty, roundtable discussions with staff and students took place in June. On 24 June there was a online town hall meeting for all who were interested.
  • Through the online platform 'Denk mee' the working group is seeking input from the entire academic community between 1-5 July. There will also be a second input moment in the lead-up to drafting the final recommendations.
  • The working group will process all the input received and prepare a preliminary recommendation to be discussed by the Executive Board on 9 July. In the coming period, the working group will also determine how quickly a final recommendation can be issued.