On 18 April 2024, FRC director Stefaan Smis will take part in a round table discussion with the rector on the theme of human rights and how VUB should respond in the event of violations.
Focusing on the human rights test, he will explain the social role that universities can play in relation to human rights. This was prompted by the findings of a study by KU Leuven that were used by Israel's police and army. There was a lot of commotion around it and from there emerged a will to prevent collaborations that contribute to human rights violations. Each university has a contact point that issues alerts of possible violations, followed by investigation and a possible decision to end collaborations or not enter into new collaborations. The idea was for all Flemish univeristies to implement this test, but those good intentions have been somewhat diluted over the years, including at VUB. Stefaan Smis wants to revive the test and the contact points, especially now, when human rights are under pressure around the word.
Interested in knowing more and attending this event? Find more information and register here!