#StandUpForUkraine
Blog by Sianna Madigan | UNE Life Student Engagement Coordinator
On Monday morning, UNE staff and students gathered on the historic lawns of Booloominbah to #StandUpForUkraine.
Since the Putin regimes invasion of Ukraine in February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has, alongside the citizens of Ukraine, reached out to the international community to ask for support in any way it can be given.
Dear President @ZelenskyyUa, you asked for the international community to join in support for the people of Ukraine – we heard you.
Today we launch #StandUpForUkraine
A global campaign mobilizing everyone, from governments to companies and citizens, to raise funds for Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/HH7jrWJ5OD
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 26, 2022
In response, Global Citizen organised the #StandUpForUkraine movement, described on their website as a campaign for humanitarian aid and global refugee relief, taking part on the 8th and 9th of April. Alongside social media, another significant aspect of this movement is the pledging event, convened by Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, and Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, which is set to take place in Warsaw on the 9th of April.
I appeal to Ukraine’s friends all around the world to join campaign #StandUpForUkraine and support online event “Social Media Rally” on April 9. Your help will contribute to our joint victory. Grateful to @vonderleyen, @JustinTrudeau, @GlblCtzn for leadership and support. https://t.co/WNPKAW86wj
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 30, 2022
Our UNE community is culturally diverse, with students and staff spanning the globe, many of whom have their own lived experiences of displacement due to war and conflict. With the UNHCR estimating that “more than 10.5 million people have been displaced”, what’s currently happening in Ukraine is a humanitarian crisis, and a cause close to the hearts of many at our university. Speaking on Monday morning, UNE Vice Chancellor and CEO, Professor Brigid Haywood, said the following:
“Here at the University of New England Australia, community is at the heart of what we do and who we are. This university stands with the rest of the world in protesting this illegal war and we stand in the call for immediate and purposeful humanitarian support for all those affected…”
By joining with Global Citizens #StandUpForUkraine movement, UNE has responded to the call of Ukraine’s former Minister of Education, to “stand up with Ukraine against Putin’s regime” by displaying solidarity with the global academic community.
With this much at stake, it’s important to keep talking about what’s happening and to show support however you are able. Whether you make a donation, post to social media, talk about it with your friends or attend a demonstration in person, there are many ways to contribute!
Be sure to check out UNE’s #StandUpForUkraine video @UniNewEngland on their Facebook or YouTube channel.
If you find coverage of the war in Ukraine distressing, reach out to somebody!
The team at Advocacy and Welfare offer confidential support to students! Contact them here.
Student Success also provide confidential counselling for students, and you can find them here.
Lifeline is a 24/7 hotline and you can call them on 13 11 14.
