The University stands for peace and dialogue

The Academic Senate of the University of Trento met today in ordinary session with student representatives present and approved a new motion on its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the students voting against.

The declaration reads: «In line with the positions of many other Italian institutions, the Academic Senate expresses its full support and appreciation for the signs of dialogue that came in recent days with the signing of the ceasefire agreement, the withdrawal of troops from Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This is a sign of de-escalation and diplomatic commitment which, while not resolving the dramatic situation in Palestine, constitutes a first positive step in that direction. The Academic Senate calls for every effort to be made for the full support to the wounded and the sick, full healthcare assistance for the civilian population, and the protection of the population's right to education, including at the university level».
«In this regard, the Academic Senate reiterates what it already stated in recent months on the position of the University of Trento in the face of the dramatic events in Gaza. Since the beginning of the Israeli attack in response to Hamas terrorist attack, the University, in line with its founding principles, has expressed its strongest condemnation of the very serious war crimes carried out by the Israeli authorities which have led to the documented accusations of genocide against the Palestinian population, which are supported by respected international organisations. The University has repeatedly called for a peaceful and diplomatic solution and publicly called for respect for international law and all resolutions and determinations of international organisations as well as the establishment of humanitarian corridors. Based on these international resolutions and determinations, we call for the full recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination in a context of mutual recognition and respect». 
«Since the first official statement of February 2024, this position has been reiterated several times and in various institutional settings, through motions of the Academic Senate and the Council of Students, and public interventions, including the appeal to "Save Gaza" calling for an end to the massacre perpetrated by the Israeli military forces, testifying to a shared and constant concern. The Rector, on behalf of the University's governing bodies, has repeatedly explicitly called upon national and European political institutions to adopt a clear position, and has done so recently as well by requesting the discussion of a motion at CRUI to express a more forceful form of pressure on the Italian government».
In its previous meeting of 15 October, the Academic Senate had already approved some actions. The first action establishes scholarships and other support measures for students from conflict zones who are holders of, or applicants for, international protection. The Senate also agreed to lay the foundations to establish a permanent Laboratory on conflicts, as a multidisciplinary space to encourage reflection and discussion on international conflicts and crises. The third actions aim to strengthen educational and awareness-raising activities to support researchers in assessing the ethical and safety risks of research.
The Academic Senate has made available the updated document that accounts for the actions that have been put in place in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the beginning of 2024.