Human Rights Committee
Hasselt University is closely connected to society and committed to the public good as a civic university. This also entails staying alert to the broader impact of our academic work. Respect for human rights is a key part of that responsibility, and we aim to uphold it across our research, teaching, and partnerships.
What do we mean by 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, the Human Rights Committee 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.”
How to assess human rights risks in your research?
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 Human Rights Committee.
Regions requiring special attention
UHasselt is committed to not collaborate with any organisation that is involved in serious human rights violations. Certain regions require heightened attention and scrutiny due to structural or geopolitical risks.
These include:
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Region/country |
Statement/policy |
|---|---|
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Iran |
VLIR statement regarding collaborations with Iran |
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Israel - Palestine |
Press release VRT NWS "Belgian universities are calling on the government to strongly condemn the violence in Gaza and to "prepare further actions"." (August, 2025; only available in Dutch) Press release VRT NWS "Flemish universities will no longer collaborate with Israelian partners who violate human rights" (January, 2025; only available in Dutch) Human Rights Commission:
UHasselt Policy:
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Russia |
VLIR statement concerning collaborations with Russia |
Latest update: August, 2025.
Tools for self-assessment
Use the following tools to self assess potential human rights concerns:
Human Rights Committee at UHasselt
The Human Rights Committee is the central body at Hasselt University that supports researchers in identifying and addressing potential human rights concerns in research collaborations.
The Committee is here to help researchers think critically about human rights in the context of international collaborations. Whether you're starting a new project or working with an existing partner, you can turn to the Committee for guidance if you’re unsure about the human rights situation in a specific country, institution, or context.
Sometimes, the risks are clear. Other times, they are harder to see. That is why the Committee actively monitors collaborations and offers tailored advice.
When should you contact us?
Whenever you have doubts, whether they are concerns or specific questions, it is worth checking. You will be asked to complete a brief self-assessment, and our experts will take it from there. Read more about the full procedure.
Want to know more about how the Committee works? You can find all the details in our internal regulations (in Dutch). And if you have a question, don’t hesitate to email us at RRI@uhasselt.be.
Requesting advice from the Human Rights Committee
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STEPS |
Procedure |
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STEP 1: |
If you are considering a new collaboration or have an existing one where you have questions about human rights, start by completing the VLIR traffic light diagram. If the tool flags potential issues, take the next step. |
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STEP 2: |
Send your question or request to the Human Rights Committee and include:
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STEP 3: |
Our human rights expert will conduct a thorough review of the potential partner institution, focusing on their human rights record. |
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STEP 4: |
The Human Rights Committee evaluates the full context: the partner, the planned activities, and any relevant political or regional factors. |
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STEP 5: |
The Committee will inform you of their decision. Approved? You can proceed, possibly with additional safeguards such as a partner declaration or follow-up monitoring. Not approved? You will receive a formal decision and support from the OBI Directorate in ending the collaboration if needed. |
Composition of the Human Rights Committee
- Chairman: Matthias Vanhullenbusch
- Vice-chairman: To be determined
- Secretary: Stephanie Ruysschaert
- Expert Human Rights: To be determined
- Representative from DIOS: Ann Verstraeten
- OBI Legal counsel: Debbie Melissas
- ZAP representative per faculty/school
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences: /
- Faculty of Engineering Technology: Ali Pirdavani
- Faculty of Sciences: Jan Van den Bussche
- Faculty of Business Economics: Piet Pauwels
- Faculty of Law: /
- Faculty of Architecture and Arts: Elke Knapen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences: Wim Pinxten
- School of Social Sciences: Itamar Shachar
- School of Transportation Sciences: An Neven
- School of Educational Studies: Elke Emmers
Contact us
In case of doubt or questions regarding a possible human rights risk, contact the Human Rights contact point: RRI@uhasselt.be.