On February 24, 2022, Russia violated international law by invading Ukraine. The International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS) stands with the people of Ukraine and Russia, and with the students of IAPSS Ukraine who now face considerable hardship. For many, their education has been abruptly interrupted. The right to study is a human right, and taking away the education opportunities will have long-term consequences on the future of the younger generations in Ukraine. Many members of IAPSS Ukraine have been conscripted to fight in the conflict.
IAPSS condemns the actions of the Russian government. This war will do unimaginable damage to Ukrainian, Russian, and European societies. There will be deaths, destruction, and refugee and humanitarian crises. There is also a risk that this conflict could continue to escalate and spread to other areas of the world, making global peace a more difficult goal to achieve.
IAPSS calls for a peaceful solution to the conflict that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ukrainian people have the right to determine their future and live in freedom.
IAPSS calls on students in Ukraine to document what they are experiencing as well as share their evidence and perspectives with the world. IAPSS will help promote what students in Ukraine are sharing on its platforms to help raise awareness about what is happening on the ground.
IAPSS memberships of students based in Ukraine are granted an extension until the end of the conflict or the resumption of their studies.