Human Rights

At Hasselt University, we take a broad view of human rights. A human rights concern may arise when there is a link between your research and organisations or activities that are connected to armed conflict or known to violate fundamental human rights, including forced labor or war crimes. That link could be based on financial ties, shared products , technological collaboration, or even a strong public association.

Based on this view, UHasselt views a human rights violation as:

“The connection that may exist under the form of general explicit sympathy, financial dependence, product or technological relevance in the context of war or violation of human rights in the broadest sense.”

This broad understanding helps us take our responsibility seriously, without limiting academic freedom, but by encouraging awareness and ethical engagement.

A Human Rights Clause in every agreement

Since 2022, UHasselt includes a human rights clause in every new research collaboration agreement. It’s a way to raise awareness, make expectations clear, and take action if something goes wrong.

“The Parties pledge to uphold human rights as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Each Party shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement, by way of a written notice sent by registered mail, in case the other Party commits a substantial breach of human rights.”

As a researcher, you play a crucial role in ensuring that your work is ethically responsible. That includes being alert to potential human rights concerns in your research collaborations, especially when working with international partners or in regions where human rights are under pressure.

Questions for self-reflection

We encourage all researchers at UHasselt to take a moment for self-reflection before starting a new collaboration.

Start your reflection by answering the following questions:

• Who am I working with?
• What is this partnership's broader context—political, social, human rights-wise?
• Could my research unintentionally support practices or regimes that violate fundamental rights?

After this initial self-assessment, you can consult a list of regions and countries with which UHasselt currently does not engage in collaborations due to human rights concerns.

Need help interpreting your answers or going further? We’ve gathered a few tools to support your reflection.

Not sure about your collaboration or how to answer the reflexive questions? Contact the Ethics Committee on Human Rights and Research Security.

Tools for self-assessment 

Use the following tools to self assess potential human rights concerns:

• EU sanctions Map 

• Freedom House

• Scholars at Risk Network

• CSR Risk Check

• Responsible Resourcing Tool

In case of doubt or questions regarding a possible human rights risk, contact the Ethics Committee on Human Rights and Research Security or reach out to our Human Rights contact point: RRI@uhasselt.be