April 03, 2015

The European University Association is dismayed by and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that unfolded at Garissa University College in Kenya on Thursday 2 April killing 147 students and leaving at least 79 people wounded.

EUA believes that the assault, by terrorist group al-Shabab, targeted the core values of education, freedom of thought and the future of Kenya’s young people who held the ambition to gain qualifications and make a contribution to their nation and the world.

At its Council meeting on 30 January EUA endorsed the Principles of State Responsibility to Protect Higher Education campaign promoted by the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA). The initiative articulates a need for affirmative, public recognition of the on-going and widespread problem of attacks on higher education.

Today EUA reiterates its commitment to this campaign and calls on the international community to further commit to protecting their higher education sectors, ensuring that higher education communities are physically secure and free from improper external influence and intimidation. 

The European University Association, representing 850 universities across Europe, extends its condolences to the families who have been affected by this tragedy, to Garissa University College and to the people of Kenya.