Message from the Provost: Support for anyone affected by current events in the Middle East

Dear all

With a large number of students and staff from countries in the Middle East at UCL, and many more with connections to the region, I know very many people will be greatly distressed and affected about the serious escalation of conflict over the weekend and the ongoing impacts on people in a number of countries.

At such a time, it is really important that everyone who needs it knows that there is help available. UCL has in place a range of dedicated, expert support, both practical and emotional, for students and staff affected by conflict, details of which are outlined here and are being shared through all our appropriate channels.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is currently warning against all but essential travel to a number of countries in the Middle East and, since Saturday morning, teams across UCL have been working to support the small number of students and staff who are currently in the region. If anyone has concerns about a student or colleague who is in an affected country and may need help, please contact the Student Support and Wellbeing team (for students) or email uclglobalengagement@ucl.ac.uk (for staff).

It seems very likely that this will be a dynamic situation and that advice and guidance will change, so anyone with plans to travel anywhere in the vicinity must register for travel insurance and is strongly urged to check the latest travel advice.

As we all know, being a diverse community means being home to a diverse range of life experiences, viewpoints and opinions on a range of issues, and this conflict will be no different. When emotions and stress levels are high, it becomes easy to make an enemy of anyone who holds an opinion with which we strongly disagree, especially if we feel their view not only wrong, but one that touches on issues core to our identity. I would ask, then, that everyone is aware that others around us may be in great pain and fear at the moment, that we are considerate in how we talk about the conflict and, indeed, that we recognise the right of individuals not to talk about it at all should they prefer it. Above all, we should understand that someone who holds a point of view different to our own is still a member of our community and, as such, deserving of respect.

My huge sympathies go to everyone who is affected by this conflict. Please know that we will do everything we can to support you. I very much hope that everyone living in the region will soon see peace and security.

Yours

Michael

Dr Michael Spence
UCL President & Provost