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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Cut ties with Israeli varsities, academics tell Stellenosch University
Stellenbosch University. Image: Stellenbosch University PRESSURE is mounting on Stellenbosch University (SU) to suspend all collaboration with Israeli universities where there was a risk of direct or indirect involvement in human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In a statement signed by 214 academics, the group noted that this had been a step taken by 'other respected universities, including recently the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)'. 'We agree with Annelien Bredenoord, President of the EUR Executive Board when she says that academic collaborations are normally based on academic freedom, but 'that freedom has limits when fundamental human rights are at stake'. We urge Stellenbosch University's leadership to officially and unequivocally add the university's voice to this world-wide call. We believe that future generations will judge our university and its leadership harshly if it does not take a stand on the outrageous acts being perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza – acts which, to borrow from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), should outrage the conscience of humanity,' the academics stated. The SU is the only university in the Western Cape that has not severed ties with Israeli universities. The university came short of taking up a strong position following a council meeting last year. During a special meeting on April 30, Senate voted against a motion themed 'Proposed resolution for Stellenbosch University Senate on the Genocide and Destruction of Scholarship and Education in Gaza'. At the time the Senate voted 80 in favour, 101 against the motion, while 18 abstained from the vote. The proposed resolution had called for an 'immediate ceasefire and the cessation on attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel, the passage of humanitarian aid and the return of all captives including the safe return of hostages captured by Hamas, and including the safe return of Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It also called for the university to express concern and opposition to any attempts to 'curtail academic freedom by labelling criticism of Israel or Zionist policies as antisemitism' and to express solidarity with 'academic colleagues victimised for their willingness to speak out against the educaracide in Gaza', among others. The 214 academics maintain that the gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the crime of genocide, being committed by Israel in its devastating assault on the Gaza Strip raise profound questions about the responsibility of universities to condemn such acts and avoid collaborating with implicated Israeli institutions. 'Unlike several other South African universities, Stellenbosch University as an institution has been largely silent on this issue. A Senate motion calling for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel, the passage of humanitarian aid and the return of all captives was defeated on 30 April 2024. As concerned members of the University community we again call upon our University to take a public stand on the violations of international law being committed against the Palestinian people.' The group cited a 2018 Restitution Statement adopted by the university acknowledging and expressing 'deep regret' for its contribution to the injustices of the past. 'This is indeed a moment to embrace change at our institution, including taking an institutional position on Gaza,' the statement read. The collective in their statement also cited the South African government case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging violations by Israel of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Stellenbosch University said it was not the only university, 'locally or globally, that has refrained from an institutional stance on this issue to safeguard academic freedom, and it has repeatedly expressed its sympathy and compassion for those affected by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza'. 'Stellenbosch University (SU) recognises the severity and far-reaching impact of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. It is important to emphasise that our institution stands firmly for the principles of peace, respect for human rights, freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the principles of International Humanitarian Law. We are committed to supporting and fostering environments where all viewpoints can be heard and will continue to engage in this regard.' The university expressed its commitment to providing a space that encourages constructive debate and academic freedom. 'To fully perform its role in society, the university must maintain an environment of freedom of inquiry and expression. There are many instances where such robust conversations, specifically also on the crisis in Gaza, have been encouraged and welcomed on various SU platforms and its campuses. The most recent statement supported by Senate and other staff members in their individual capacity also testifies to the existence of such spaces of freedom of speech and expression at the University. The vote of the special Senate meeting also occurred in this broader framework and as an outcome of an inclusive and democratic statutory process. All academic discourse at SU takes place within the framework of the values of the University, namely excellence, compassion, accountability, respect, and equity.' CAPE TIMES
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rising refugee crisis amid collapse of global moral order
With the rise of populist nationalism and majoritarianism, the displaced are facing an unprecedented pushback around the world. Last week, the Lancet pointed out that one in every eight people in the world is on the move today, driven by economic, political, demographic, environmental and socio-cultural forces. However, even as migration—including movement propelled by climate emergencies—is emerging as one of the biggest concerns in the 21st century, the rights and lives of refugees are coming under inhumane pressure. In this context, it is a solemn moment to remember that, stung by the partition's humongous refugee crisis, India has not ratified either the 1951 Refugee Convention, which serves as the principal legal document defining refugee status, or the 1967 Protocol that removed geographic and time-based limitations on the status. These treaties flowed from 1948's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the high-minded document that underlined the newly-formed UN's purpose. Today, with its resolutions observed more in breach, the warnings of its secretary-general ignored and the funding of its agencies gutted, the UN system is becoming increasingly comatose. The Lancet pointed out that the World Health Organization's Health and Migration Programme faces an uncertain future barely five years after being set up; the health journal warned of the devastating consequences of its closure for millions of refugees around the world.
Scroll.in
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
A century later: A renewed open letter against the return of fascism
On May 1, 1925, with Mussolini already in power, a group of Italian intellectuals publicly denounced Mussolini's fascist regime in an open letter. The signatories – scientists, philosophers, writers, and artists – took a stand in support of the essential tenets of a free society: the rule of law, personal liberty, and independent thinking, culture, art, and science. Their open defiance to the brutal imposition of the fascist ideology – at great personal risk – proved that opposition was not only possible, but necessary. Today, a hundred years later, the threat of fascism is back – and so we must summon that courage and defy it again. Fascism emerged in Italy a century ago, marking the advent of modern dictatorship. Within a few years, it spread across Europe and the world, taking different names but maintaining similar forms. Wherever it seized power, it undermined the separation of powers in the service of autocracy, silenced opposition through violence, took control of the press, halted the advancement of women's rights, and crushed workers' struggles for economic justice. Inevitably, it permeated and distorted all institutions devoted to scientific, academic, and cultural activities. Its cult of death exalted imperial aggression and genocidal racism, triggering the Second World War, the Holocaust, the death of tens of millions of people, and crimes against humanity. At the same time, the resistance to fascism and the many other fascist ideologies became a fertile ground for imagining alternative ways of organising societies and international relations. The world that emerged from the Second World War – with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the theoretical foundations of the European Union, and the legal arguments against colonialism – remained marked by deep inequalities. Yet, it represented a decisive attempt to establish an international legal order: an aspiration toward global democracy and peace, grounded in the protection of universal human rights, including not only civil and political, but also economic, social, and cultural rights. Fascism never vanished, but for a time it was held at bay. However, in the past two decades we have witnessed a renewed wave of far-right movements, often bearing unmistakably fascist traits: attacks on democratic norms and institutions, a reinvigorated nationalism laced with racist rhetoric, authoritarian impulses, and systematic assaults on the rights of those who do not fit a manufactured traditional authority, rooted in religious, sexual and gender normativity. These movements have re-emerged across the globe, including in long-standing democracies, where widespread dissatisfaction with political failure to address mounting inequalities and social exclusion has once again been exploited by new authoritarian figures. True to the old fascist script, under the guise of an unlimited popular mandate, these figures undermine national and international rule of law, targeting the independence of the judiciary, the press, institutions of culture, higher education, and science; even attempting to destroy essential data and scientific information. They fabricate 'alternative facts' and invent 'enemies within'; they weaponise security concerns to entrench their authority and that of the ultra-wealthy 1%, offering privileges in exchange for loyalty. This process is now accelerating, as dissent is increasingly suppressed through arbitrary detentions, threats of violence, deportations and an unrelenting campaign of disinformation and propaganda, operated with the support of traditional and social media barons – some merely complacent, others openly techno-fascist enthusiasts. Democracies are not flawless: they are vulnerable to misinformation and they are not yet sufficiently inclusive. However, democracies by their nature provide fertile ground for intellectual and cultural progress and therefore always have the potential to improve. In democratic societies, human rights and freedoms can expand, the arts flourish, scientific discoveries thrive, and knowledge grow. They grant the freedom to challenge ideas and question power structures, propose new theories even when culturally uncomfortable, which is essential to human advancement. Democratic institutions offer the best framework for addressing social injustices, and the best hope to fulfil the post-war promises of the rights to work, education, health, social security, participation in cultural and scientific life, and the collective right of peoples to development, self-determination and peace. Without this, humanity faces stagnation, growing inequality, injustice and catastrophe, not least from the existential threat caused by the climate emergency that the new fascist wave negates. In our hyper-connected world, democracy cannot exist in isolation. As national democracies require strong institutions, international cooperation relies on the effective implementation of democratic principles and multilateralism to regulate relations between nations, and on multi-stakeholder processes to engage a healthy society. The rule of law must extend beyond borders, ensuring that international treaties, human rights conventions, and peace agreements are respected. While existing global governance and international institutions require improvement, their erosion in favor of a world governed by raw power, transactional logic and military might is a regression to an era of colonialism, suffering and destruction. As in 1925, we scientists, philosophers, writers, artists and citizens of the world, have a responsibility to denounce and resist the resurgence of fascism in all its forms. We call on all those who value democracy to act: Defend democratic, cultural and educational institutions. Call out abuses of democratic principles and human rights. Refuse preemptive compliance. Join collective actions, locally and internationally. Boycott and strike when possible. Make resistance impossible to ignore and costly to repress. Uphold facts and evidence. Foster critical thinking and engage with your communities on these grounds. This is an ongoing struggle. Let our voices, our work, and our principles be a bulwark against authoritarianism. Let this message be a renewed declaration of defiance. Signatories include Richard J Roberts, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1993) Leland Hartwell, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2001) Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2001) Barry James Marshall, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2005) Craig C Mello, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2006) Mario R Capecchi, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2007) Jack W Szostak, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2009) Edvard I Moser, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2014) May-Britt Moser, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2014) Peter J Ratcliffe, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2019) Charles Rice, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2020) Harvey James Alter, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2020) Victor Ambros, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2024) Gary Ruvkun, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2024) Wolfgang Ketterle, Nobel Prize in Physics (2001) Anthony James Leggett, Nobel Prize in Physics (2003) John C Mather, Nobel Prize in Physics (2006) Brian P Schmidt, Nobel Prize in Physics (2011) François Englert, Nobel Prize in Physics (2013) Michel Mayor, Nobel Prize in Physics (2019) Takaaki Kajita, Nobel Prize in Physics (2015) Giorgio Parisi, Nobel Prize in Physics (2021) Pierre Agostini, Nobel Prize in Physics (2023) Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2016) Joachim Frank, Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2017) Eric Maskin, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2007) Roger B Myerson, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2007) Alvin E Roth, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2012) Lars Peter Hansen, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2013) Oliver Hart, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2016) Daron Acemoglu, Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2024)
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
UKPNP condemns arrest of Kashmiri journalist in PoJK
Geneva [Switzerland], June 10 (ANI): Exiled chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, UKPNP central spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan and UKPNP Foreign Affairs Committee President Jamil Maqsood, along with the central leadership of the party has strongly condemned the arbitrary arrest of Kashmiri journalist Usman Tariq from Neelum, in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). UKPNP released an official press statement in which party leaders emphasised that the retaliatory actions against journalists in PoJK represent a flagrant violation of press freedom and an alarming height of suppression of freedom of expression. In the statement, the UKPNP leaders said that the retaliatory actions against journalists in PoJK represent the height of oppression of the free press. It demanded that freedom of expression and freedom of the press and media must be honoured. The UKPNP cited Articles 19 and 19A of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), emphasizing that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. UKPNP leaders highlighted that Pakistan is treating the disputed territories of PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan as its colonies, violating international norms. They noted that PoJK has been declared a 'security zone' where the international community, including human rights observers and journalists, are denied access. The statement said, 'They further said that those who raise legitimate concerns about human rights violations, unemployment, underdevelopment, rising extremism and terrorism, and systemic injustice are being targeted by the puppet administration in Muzaffarabad under the direct influence of Islamabad.' UKPNP urged the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and media watchdogs to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable. The regions of PoJK and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan have faced discrimination and human rights violations for decades. People are being denied basic human rights and have many times raised their voice and the regions have witnessed massive protests on various occasions, however they have got nothing but only false promises. (ANI)
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Six of the best: Editor's pick of the letters you sent to us
Who is fooling who at City Hall? What is going on within the eThekwini Metro is beyond one's understanding. A year ago, in April the city workers down tools of trade in protest of their pay scale, which is Category 8. The strike went caused havoc and impaired service delivery. The outcry was loud and Cogta had to intervene, when, in my opinion, it was unnecessary. It was unnecessary because one of the things listed in the motivation to increase the City Manager's salary by 66.66% was that he was leading a Category-10 municipality. That alone was reason enough to award workers their demands. Various consultations were made to verify the worker's call, but to date the issue remains unresolved, with the municipality crying about how tight the budgetary constraints are. The City says it had insufficient funds to foot the bill, but is wasting funds in defending court cases with contractors. Additionally, the City has advertised top executive positions that have a Category-10 salary scale. So, who is fooling who instance? I fail to understand the whole setup, but maybe the citizenry can dissect the situation, because it judged the workers in their actions. This is not an ideal situation to make a discourse, but the City management needs to provide leadership and furnish answers or another action by the workers will be justified, soon, I guess. | Concerned citizen (name withheld at editor's discretion) The DPP and her NPA office are inept Following the grave miscarriage of justice recently regarding the Omotoso case, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) now has more egg on its face with the extradition M Cholota – the ex-personal assistant of former Free State Premier Ace Mageshule – being ruled as unlawful. Much of the ineptitude and gross shoddiness of the under-performing NPA is a sad reflection of Shamilla Batohi, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).She is in the same inferior league as the former Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who was booted out of office owing to poor performance. The new DPP will be appointed in 2026, but why is Batohi not shown the door immediately due to her ongoing failure to deliver? Is it because she is an ANC crony and lackey?Please, President Cyril Ramaphosa save our beloved country from continuing to be a laughing stock, especially in the international arena. You must make relevant appointments to senior public offices with competence, merit, credibility and integrity being minimum requirements. Shame on the relevant parliamentary portfolio committee for accepting the half-baked responses and other hogwash of the DPP in various sittings. Like her, most committee members are buffoons and are doing the country a great disservice. Enough is enough! | Simon T Dehal Verulam US-influenced UN in need of overhaul One would have wished that the UN Gaza ceasefire resolution, that is shaped by international law, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and principles of social justice, would have received unanimous vote, but, sadly and regrettably, it was vetoed by the US. The UN call, which was supported by 14 of the 15 members of the Security Council, was for the fifth time rejected by the US, making it the only country to vote against the urgent appeal for an 'immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire' in apartheid Israel's war on Gaza. The grossly ineffective UN Security Council which was established under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security needs urgent reform to manage real-life global realities, issues and challenges that have changed since its establishment in 1945/6 when the UN Charter was adopted. | MOHAMED SAEED Pietermaritzburg How wonderful to see Trump, Musk fall out It was like manna from heaven to see the Donald Trump/Elon Musk bromance finally come to an end. The battle of the Titans was always destined to end in failure as it could be likened to King Kong taking on Godzilla … there could be no winner. The US president got his way by using Musk's ATM to squeeze his way into the White House – had it not been for Musk's financial backing, Trump wouldn't even have gotten into the Oval Office toilet ! Musk doesn't need Trump. He has oodles of money and has more than made his mark. It is, however, not dollar bills that measures a man's worth but the legacy he leaves. Musk now has a golden opportunity to put his wealth into a worthy cause and at the same time stick it to Trump! The Gaza conflict is calling. Sort that out and Musk will go down in history as the man who did what Trump failed to do, by instigating peace in the Middle East Musk's name will be etched in history as the man who did what no one could do for over a thousand years ! Now that's a challenge and what a legacy that would be. | Colin Bosman Newlands Why aren't we celebrating her? Is South Africa's first black female winemaker, Carmen Stevens, being afforded the recognition she deserves in the 'Rainbow Nation' for having achieved turning her childhood dream into a winemaking legacy? | Eric Palm Gympie, Queensland, Australia Shameful message of such letter-writers Some letter writers are called 'bullies' because they insist that the message of the day – the genocide in Palestine – should be shouted out loudly and continuously for all to hear, until this heartbreaking, very dark and heinous episode ends. And so the cries of these writers are halted. Perhaps because it upsets advertisers or other vested interest in certain newspapers! This selective opinion blackout obviously makes the media that fails to assist readers to voice their opinions based on established human rights, and possibly complicit in the genocide.'Selective', because some writers (actually just a pair of them) constantly side with Trump regarding the ' kill the boer' US President Donald-narrative, which begs the question: Why have, they not joined the flotilla of selected Afrikaner farmers making their way down the Mississippi towards a glorious future. In America? These writers are forever also siding with Israel calling it a ' fantastic' country while calling Iran a 'fanatical' state! Israel, the state that does something that has probably never been tried before: Luring starving Palestininians with the promise of scraps of food, then callously shooing them!How can humans in this country actually still side with a lunatic fringe like these Zionists in Israel?. Zionists whose neo-religion is their own modern invention which has nothing to do with Judaism?It's a very sad indictment on the press in this country which is actually fully permitted the proverbial 'freedom of the press', a concept that seems to be increasingly obstructed in other, so-called 'democratic' countries. These writers treacherously side with Israel against the ICC and IJC charges initiated by our very own South African legal system, while nobody else around the world has the actual acumen to do anything close to this!All very shameful! | Ebrahim Essa Durban DAILY NEWS
