Statement by Catalan public universities on the assault against the Global Flotilla Sumud

The Catalan public universities demand the immediate release of all crew members and the restoration of the right to free movement for the boats. We also urge the Spanish Government and the European institutions to intervene responsibly and firmly to defend the fundamental rights of those detained and to guarantee respect for international law.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful humanitarian mission of solidarity, which set sail from the port of Barcelona last September with the support of numerous organizations and institutions, aimed to break the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and deliver more than 300 tonnes of urgent humanitarian aid to a civilian population living in a situation of extreme vulnerability. Obstructing this peaceful action of solidarity means criminalizing humanitarian aid and aggravating the suffering of people subjected to an unsustainable siege and condemned by the international community. 

The Catalan public universities reiterate our commitment to human rights, peace, democracy and social responsibility. We call once again on the international community to act with determination in response to this unjustifiable attack and to work to end both the blockade and the systematic violations of rights against the Palestinian people.