Our Association is not indifferent to the dramatic situation in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Many scientific associations in Italy and abroad are taking a stand and urging governments to act. STOREP, although having different objectives, also deems it appropriate to express its concern about the thousands of civilian victims, the violations of international law and the severe humanitarian emergency that has been affecting the population of Gaza for months.The academic world, both in Italy and internationally, is responding with clarity and determination.
At the national level, we highlight the statement of the Italian Society of International Law and European Union Law (SIDI), which has denounced violations of international law and recalled the obligations of European governments; the declaration of the Italian Political Science Association (SISP), which condemned the disproportionate use of force and the violations of humanitarian law by the Israeli government; and the motion of the Italian Society of Medieval Archaeologists (SAMI), which condemned the ongoing genocide and emphasized the link between war, memory and cultural heritage.
At the international level, The Lancet has published a collective appeal signed by hundreds of scholars and public health professionals denouncing the ongoing health and humanitarian catastrophe, while in the United Kingdom associations such as the Association for Heterodox Economics (AHE) have issued similar statements, opening up a broader debate on the role of academia in the face of serious violations of fundamental human rights.
These positions show that the scientific community feels a responsibility to speak out publicly, even on issues that go beyond its own disciplinary field. We, as economists of STOREP, also believe it is our duty to reflect on the economic, social, and institutional consequences of this tragedy and on the contribution our voice can make to the public debate.
In this context, we draw your attention to the public appeal currently underway, which those who wish may sign [link to the appeal].
STOREP joins this chorus of voices, reaffirming the universal principles of international law, human dignity, and academic responsibility.
The STOREP Executive Committee
Mario Cedrini