News in 2022
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Statement from FIG Council
March 2022
The last few days have shown us how fragile the world can be. FIG
Council expresses its disapproval of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It
is against all fundamental principles of the global community regarding
a peaceful and respectful living together.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with all the citizens of Ukraine an especially our
Ukrainian colleagues and members. We follow with sadness this humanitarian tragedy
and non-acceptable situation in Ukraine carefully. At the same time we
ask the
Russian government to stop the invasion of the souverain territory of Ukraine
immediately.
Due to this devastating act of the Russian Government, we have
received several requests to expel or suspend the Russian members of
FIG. For a non-political worldwide federation like FIG this is not the
right way forward. We believe in dialogue and peaceful settlement of
disputes, and want to keep the international communication channels with
our Russian colleagues open.
We believe that the UN charter is the fundament of a peaceful and
respectful living together. The International Federation of Surveyors fully supports the
statement given by the Secretary-General of the United Nations:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/node/262058
Regarding the FIG Congress 2022, we continue to monitor the situation
carefully but there is currently no reason to believe that this will
affect our plans. We hope and are looking forward to seeing you 11-15
September 2022 in Warsaw Poland.
The FIG Statutes state:
2.2 The Federation shall abstain from any interference in questions
of a political, racial or religious nature.
2.3 The Federation shall not permit any of its activities to be
influenced by statements or actions of a political, social or religious
nature.
FIG is a member of the International Science Council. Please note
statements from other International Scientific Organisations:
https://council.science/current/news/statements-international-scientific-community-conflict-ukraine/
The ISC has a clear position on conference and events boycotts:
https://council.science/what-we-do/freedoms-and-responsibilities-of-scientists/freedom-of-association/
since it withdraws the right from those concerned to engage in
scientific enquiry, pursue and communicate knowledge, and to associate
freely in such activities.
Due to the current situation in Poland especially in regard to the
high number of refugees, on 11 March we have announced that until
further notice Russian participants and delegates are not welcome at the Congress 2022. This step
actually violates the statutes of FIG and FIG Council has with this
action stepped over their actual authorities, however FIG Council has
found this step necessary because the Congress is taking place in
Poland.
FIG is against any war in the world at any time and any act that
violates the fundamental human rights. As a non-political organisation FIG works
on the SDGs and other world-wide agendas in a factual and constructive
way within our statutes for the wellbeing of society and our profession.
FIG Council
1 March 2022, updated 11 March and 31 March
