A motion by the Academic Senate on the topic of migrants and shipwrecked people in the Mediterranean Sea

17.07.2019

In accordance to its motto Universa universis patavina libertas the University of Padova has once again announced its commitment to a free and inclusive culture. During the Academic Senate session, held on July 9, invited students, professors, and members of the University staff came together to promote an open discussion facing the issue of migrations.  The goal was to bring the conversation of rescuing migrants back to a state of reasonableness while honoring the values of universities and civil society.

The ruling of the Senate was clear "We must reiterate that rescuing shipwrecked migrants presents itself as a moral and legal duty and that a rescue cannot be declared over until the people onboard are brought to a place that guarantees their complete safety.”  There is a commitment from the University to express solidarity with the organizations and all of those who are doing their utmost to save lives by rescuing shipwrecked migrants in the Mediterranean Sea and guaranteeing them a safe harbor.