A statement has been written and signed by 126 PhD SDC candidates calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza strip.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
November 29, 2023
As students of the Italian national PhD program in Sustainable Development and Climate Change(PhD SDC), we reaffirm our commitment tothe principles of peace, justice, and sustainability. Our program was established with the mission to guide the world towardsa more sustainable future, inalignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recognizing that the pursuit of the SDGs is deeply intertwined with the promotion of peace and the protection of human rights, we call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
We are deeply concerned about the ongoing aggression against Palestinians in Gaza, which has caused immense suffering and loss of life for over 50 days. In this statement, we echo the calls from United Nations (UN) agencies, including the recent call by the UN SecretaryGeneral for a ceasefire, who described Gaza as becoming a "graveyard for children." Wea lso acknowledge the UN General Assembly resolution ES–10/21,adopted with the support of 120 countries, calling for an "immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities."
The UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has called the massive death toll of both Palestinian civilians and children “agrowing stain on our collective conscience.” Over 100 UN workers at the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)have also been killed thus far, more than any period in the history of theUnited Nations. The President of theInternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)stated “It is intolerable to think this catastrophic humanitarian situation has lasted for a month; it is unacceptable that it lasts any longer." According to the ICRC,hostilities are taking place in heavily populated urban areas and “endangerthe lives of the most vulnerable people, likemedical staff, patients, the wounded, premature babies, people with disabilities, and the elderly."
The World Health Organization (WHO),UNICEF, UNRWA, and the UN Population Fund Sexual & Reproductive Health Agency (UNFPA) have all warned that“women, children andnewborns in Gaza aredisproportionately bearing the burden of the escalation of hostilities” and called for animmediate humanitarian ceasefire. Additionally, the resignation of the UN Director in the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who referred to the ongoing situation as a "textbook genocide," underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for international action.
The Sustainable Development Goals remind us that peace,justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) are not only essential in their ownright but are also critical enablers for the achievement of all other SDGs. Sustainable development cannot thrive in the midst of violence. War disrupts communities, hinders economic development, and exacerbatespoverty and inequality (SDG 1, SDG 8,SDG 10, and SDG 11). It also threatens access toeducation (SDG 4), clean waterand sanitation (SDG 6), food (SDG 2), and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). Health and gender equality are also impacted as women inGaza are unable to access the healthcare needed, especially those who are pregnant or with newborns (SDG 3 and SDG 5). Furthermore, it leads to the forced displacement of people,which not only violates InternationalHumanitarian Law but alsoexacerbates the global refugee crisis (SDG 16 and SDG 10). According to the ICRC, civilians are evacuating under precariousand unsafe conditions: "Men, women, and children, waving white flags, walk for dozens of kilometers past dead bodies lying on the streets and without necessities like food and water."
We see all of the stated SDGs and more being directly affected in Gaza, where UN schools are being bombed, essential services such as water, food, and electricity are being disrupted, and even hospitals are facing attacks. We must acknowledge that our work towards a sustainable future does not exist in a vacuum and that it must have tangible effects on the present as well. Our efforts to address climate change and achieve the SDGs are all intrinsically linked to the pursuit of peace and justice.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and allthose affected, and we urge all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and safety of civilians. We believe that a permanent ceasefire is not only a humanitarianimperative but also a crucial step towards developing the conditions necessary to create a sustainable future for all and to work towards establishing long-lasting peace. We call on the international community to come together, support diplomatic efforts, and work tirelessly to bring an end to the ongoing violence against Palestinians.
As scholars, PhD researchers, and advocates for sustainable development, we reiterate our commitment to a world where peace and justice prevail, and where the SDGs are realized forall humankind. We implore all stakeholders to heed the calls of the UN and other international human rights organizations to prioritize the permanent cessation of hostilities in Gaza. We must all take action immediately and in every possible capacity, for the sake of a better world for current and future generations.
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This statement is signed and endorsed by the following list of 126 PhD students affiliated with over 40 Italian universities within the PhD SDC program. The list of students who signed the statement is in the attachment below.