Adopted by the Central Board of the National Union of Students in Norway, the 4th of march, 2022.
On the 24th February Russian troops invaded Ukraine from the east. This occurred a few days after President Putin declared the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent. The situation for civil society in Ukraine, is and has been characterised by fear and uncertainty.
The situation has rapidly escalated to a full-scale war between Ukraine and Russia. There are rapports every day that universities and government buildings are targeted and attacked, and civilian lives are being lost. The National Union of Students in Norway (NSO) distance themselves from civilian lives are being dragged into and lost in military operations.
The invasion in Ukraine is a clear breach of international law and a severe attack on democracy. More and more organisations and countries have imposed sanctions against the Russian government and key figures. It is important to emphasize that the Russian people aren’t to blame for the war, as it is the Russian government should be held accountable.
The Ukrainian people have been forced to flee, and we will see a stream of refugees in the near future. Many refugees will be students that have lost their connection to academia. Refugees and others that come to Norway with an academic background should be given the opportunity to be included in the academic community and be able to complete their education. Norwegian institutions have traditionally supported the programmes Students at Risk and Scholars at Risk. We expect this to continue during this war.
Students in Norway from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and neighbouring countries are already experiencing a huge psychological strain. We need to assure students that they are not going to be deported from Norway.
It is important that NSO sets clear demands and expectations for the Norwegian government and institutions in solidarity with those that aren’t able to demand or expect anything.
The National Union of Students in Norway;
Wants Norway to actively support maintaining a functioning student democratic body in Ukraine to take care of students’ interests.
Download Resolusjon_krigen_i_ukraina_ENGELSK.pdf