Statement on ICAZ's Commitment to Human Rights and Community Values
Contributed by the ICAZ International Committee
These days heightened political tension and outright physical violence world-wide threaten to undermine a social contract built on basic moral values. We express concerns over the extensive destruction of cultural heritage, the tangible memory of humanity, as well as the infringement of animal and environmental rights during these conflicts. More importantly, warfare is causing humanitarian catastrophes and costing the lives and minimal well-being of millions, while oppressive regimes are rising and structural violence permeates many political systems.
Ever since its 1971 inception, ICAZ stood for the unity of and cooperation among a community of committed scholars, regardless of nationality, affiliation or academic position. Race, religion or gender have never played a role in our modus operandi.
Nowadays some voices foster negative global trends that increasingly discredit international organizations, the right to education and the relevance of scientific thought. Ruthless politicians and businessmen profit from weaponising ideologically divisive issues to turn vulnerable individuals and communities on one another. In this increasingly manipulative atmosphere, ICAZ representatives and the membership have a shared responsibility not only in maintaining the integrity of the organization, but also in promoting the core values of equality, cooperation and decent human conduct, as advocated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
For over half a century ICAZ has successfully stood for these values by forming an inclusive, egalitarian, and cohesive academic community. Maintaining and promoting this spirit in teaching, research and international communication are important ways by which we, as a community as well as individuals, can resist the prevailing destructive trends. Within and beyond our organisation, ICAZ will always stand by those striving for education, research and outreach.
