The University of Pécs is asking its teachers, staff, current and former students to help those in need during the war in Ukraine. The member institutions of EDUC, of which UP is also a member, assured their Ukrainian students, colleagues, and the Ukrainian people of their sympathy.
As is well known, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine on 24 February 2022; fighting takes place in many areas, with reports of military and civilian casualties, and hundreds of thousands have fled the war-torn country in only a few days.
Dr. Attila Miseta, the rector of the University of Pécs, issued a statement in connection with the situation. He also talks about the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict and how we can help those in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The announcement is provided below without change.
"War is raging in our neighbourhood: Ukraine and Russia are at war. The military attacks that began on 24 February and the recent escalation in eastern Ukraine have led the population to leave the area. Essential water, gas, and electricity supplies are in danger on both sides of the conflict. The press has reported several civilian casualties. The military conflict generates a humanitarian crisis, with estimated millions of civilians forced to leave their homes.
This is a difficult situation, and the University of Pécs always tries to help those in need. I am sure that every citizen of UP has thought about what they could do and how they could help effectively. It is essential that we do not do this ad hoc, without professional knowledge and experience: goodwill should not be lost, the right donation should go to the right place, and it should be a real help.
The partner of our university is the Hungarian Red Cross, which has begun working in a coordinated manner along with other national charities to help refugees. To this end, the organization is promoting a nationwide fundraising campaign to help those in need due to the situation in Ukraine. Donations are used for humanitarian activities.
As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the primary task of the Hungarian Red Cross is to assist people in these challenging times. You may support their humanitarian work for those in distress due to the war by calling the donation line 1359 or transferring money to the following account:
For national bank transfers:
- Bank account number: 10405004-00026548-00000009
- Reference: humanitarian crisis
For bank transfers from abroad:
- IBAN number: HU32 1040 5004 0002 6548 0000 0009
- Swift code: OKHBHUHB
- Bank name: K&H Bank Zrt.
- Bank address: HU-1095 Budapest, Lechner Ödön avenue 9.
- Reference: humanitarian crisis
The fundraising is organized at the university by the University Student Council. Details will be provided later.
The leadership of the University of Pécs is asking its teachers, staff, current and former students to help those in need!
Thank you for your help and support.
Dr. Attila Miseta
rector of the Unversity of Pécs"
EDUC: "Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people."
The European Digital UniverCity (EDUC) has also issued a statement on the sad situation. According to a communiqué published by UnivPécs.com, the partners of the EDUC are shocked by Russia's attack on Ukraine in violation of the standards of international law and firmly condemn the invasion of a sovereign state forcing it into war.
"Our alliance as part of the European Universities initiative is firmly based on the core European values of freedom, respect for human rights, and democracy to which we fully commit. As part of the international academic and scientific community, we stand for peaceful cooperation carried by mutual respect and responsibility. Especially now, in these difficult political times, it is important to maintain dialogue through cultural and scientific relations and to provide all the support we can to our Hungarian partner, the University of Pécs, an immediate neighbour of Ukraine" – they wrote.
"Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, our Ukrainian students, and colleagues. We fear with you for the health and lives of your families and friends. We hope for a return to diplomatic and peaceful means of resolving this conflict" – said the statement signed by the member universities of the EDUC.
Photo:
UnivPecs.com