USI liaising with the Higher Education Authority and Students’ Unions across Ireland to establish the number of Irish citizen students in Ukraine or Russia
The Union of Students in Ireland stands with the Ukrainian Association of Students, the European Students’ Union and the Global Student Forum against war and expansionism, and in condemning the renewed Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
As Russian forces continue a major attack on Ukraine, USI offers solidarity to students in Ukraine and to any Ukrainian students in Ireland – we offer our complete support and will strive to amplify their voices and needs at this time.
As a matter of priority, USI is liaising with the Higher Education Authority and Students’ Unions across Ireland to establish the number of students from Irish institutions in Ukraine or Russia to help ensure their safety.
The international student movement has a clear position of no to war and expansionism, and yes to peace and the protection of the human and social right to live, learn and study in a peaceful environment.
USI will protest and campaign against the current Russian attack and this blatant act of expansionism that has already led to many deaths, both civilian and otherwise. USI is firmly anti-war, and we urge all Students’ Unions and students to join protests and demonstrations against this current aggression.
USI welcomes the removal of the visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens entering Ireland. However, we strongly call for Ukrainians without documentation to also have the right to safe sanctuary in Ireland.
We continue to stand firmly against the current system of Direct Provision and urge the government to prioritise the establishment of a new system, rooted in human rights principles, for the reception of asylum seekers in Ireland.