Statement of Support for Ukraine and IGU actions
The International Geographical Union (IGU), of which the Geographical Society of Ireland is a full member, has released a number of statements following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Geographical Society of Ireland supports the actions inherent, and the sentiments of these statements which are Included below.
Declaration by the International Geographical Union on the Ukraine crisis (February 27th, 2022)
The International Geographical Union notes with dismay the alarming situation in Ukraine and finds the invasion of a sovereign democratic nation by Russian forces senseless and unacceptable. These actions are undermining global security and stability and have led to deplorable human suffering and loss of life.
In the interests of peace and stability in international relations, we call for an end to the hostilities and for a resolution that respects the sovereignty of Ukraine and all its people.
The International Geographical Union stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its community of geographers, along with those in Russia who are courageously manifesting their rejection of war. We wish the citizens of Ukraine great strength in resisting and overcoming this shocking crisis.
We note that scientists and scientific journalists in Russia have issued the following open letter on the situation: For more see here.
In the interests of peace and stability in international relations, we call for an end to the hostilities and for a resolution that respects the sovereignty of Ukraine and all its people.
The International Geographical Union stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its community of geographers, along with those in Russia who are courageously manifesting their rejection of war. We wish the citizens of Ukraine great strength in resisting and overcoming this shocking crisis.
We note that scientists and scientific journalists in Russia have issued the following open letter on the situation: For more see here.
IGU Executive Committee suspends the IGU National Committee of Russia (March 7th, 2022)
The International Geographical Union (IGU) has already expressed its strong objection to the invasion of Ukraine, an independent sovereign state, by Russian armed forces.. However, the escalation of the military offence and its consequent humanitarian crisis warrants our further response. The Executive Committee of the International Geographical Union (IGU) has, therefore, taken the unprecedented step of suspending membership of the IGU National Committee of Russia with immediate effect, pending a formal decision on its membership at the next IGU General Assembly in July 2022.
The Russian National Committee of the IGU has an integral, symbolic association with the Russian Geographical Society (RGS). The RGS President is the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, chairs the RGS Board of Trustees. Their decisions underpin the illegal invasion of Ukraine. The IGU Executive Committee condemns the actions of the Russian government, which are counter to the purposes and values of the IGU as indicated in its Statutes. Under these circumstances, the Executive Committee considers that the IGU cannot continue to engage formally with the Russian National Committee.
Nevertheless, the IGU Executive Committee recognizes that many Russian geographers are appalled by and strongly object to the continued presence of Russian armed forces and aggression in Ukraine and have openly called for an end to the military operations there (see:here).
Accordingly, in suspending Russia’s formal IGU membership, the IGU maintains an open door for continued engagement with our colleagues in Russia in their individual capacities.
Michael E Meadows
IGU President
7th March 2022
The Russian National Committee of the IGU has an integral, symbolic association with the Russian Geographical Society (RGS). The RGS President is the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, chairs the RGS Board of Trustees. Their decisions underpin the illegal invasion of Ukraine. The IGU Executive Committee condemns the actions of the Russian government, which are counter to the purposes and values of the IGU as indicated in its Statutes. Under these circumstances, the Executive Committee considers that the IGU cannot continue to engage formally with the Russian National Committee.
Nevertheless, the IGU Executive Committee recognizes that many Russian geographers are appalled by and strongly object to the continued presence of Russian armed forces and aggression in Ukraine and have openly called for an end to the military operations there (see:here).
Accordingly, in suspending Russia’s formal IGU membership, the IGU maintains an open door for continued engagement with our colleagues in Russia in their individual capacities.
Michael E Meadows
IGU President
7th March 2022