Statement

On the global situation

On the initiative of the Senate faction of the non-professorial academic staff, the Senate of Ruhr University has adopted a statement on the current global political situation, which has been endorsed by the Rectorate and Student Council (Asta):

At the beginning of 2026, the international community is experiencing a phase of significantly increased geopolitical tensions and societal conflicts. Various regions are seeing international violence, diplomatic crises, and domestic protest and freedom movements, which are receiving worldwide media and political attention. For example, military operations in Latin America and challenging security constellations in the Arctic have triggered ongoing discussions about international norms and international law. At the same time, profound protest movements are continuing in several countries, some of which are being met with severe state repression and in which numerous people have been killed during demonstrations.

Given the multitude of such developments, it is not possible for the university to issue a separate statement on each individual event. Ruhr University Bochum therefore emphasizes its binding values with great clarity: We stand unequivocally by the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, freedom of thought and science, human dignity, freedom of expression, and diversity as the guiding principles of our academic community. These values are anchored in our mission statement and determine our actions in research, teaching, and social exchange.

Ruhr University Bochum condemns all forms of violence, oppression, and undemocratic behavior and reaffirms the importance of a respectful, fact-based, and open discourse. As a place of critical thinking, we see ourselves as part of an international scientific community committed to the protection and promotion of universal values.