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UM policy on partnerships with institutions in conflict areas

Maastricht University's Executive Board, in close consultation with the deans, is developing a human rights due diligence assessment tool to help make an informed assessment of whether, and if so to what extent, our partners with whom we have an administrative partnership are involved in violations of fundamental human rights standards. 

We emphasise that this is a framework for our administrative partnerships around the world and does not relate to individual academic cooperation between academics and research groups. The Executive Board and the deans also took a decision that will become part of the further development of this tool relating to administrative partnerships in areas with large-scale violent conflict. The University Council has given a positive advice on both matters. 

  • An initial explanatory declaration on this tool and its relevant context can be found here.
  • A detailed elaboration and follow-up steps can be found here.

All of this came about in a democratic process of decision-making with the deans and the University Council. 

For some, this took too long, and we understand the impatience and frustrations expressed about this. On the other hand, we are convinced that carefulness in this process precedes speed and will produce a more sustainable outcome.

We would like to involve our entire community in the next steps to develop the tool and engage in a university-wide dialogue.  We will report how we will shape this dialogue shortly.

If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact mailto: secretariaat-aa@maastrichtuniversity.nl 

Prof. dr. Rianne Letschert, Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibović, Dr. Nick Bos

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