Ukraine has been under attack by the Russian military since Thursday, February 24, 2022, and as such this has had the country’s populace running helter skelter, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
African and Middle Eastern students seeking to join in on the evacuation to the borders through available buses and trains have been unfortunately prevented from doing so. This is as a result of the “Ukrainians First” policy, which prioritizes the safety of the Ukrainian citizens during crisis before any other national or foreigner. Although some buses have available spaces to accommodate more passengers, the African students who attempt boarding are prevented from entering these buses and trains.
This is a clip we received showing this discriminatory act happening at the moment.
Fortunately there have been some of the students who have been able to make their way to the borders, however, there are being prevented from entering into the neighbouring countries to seek refuge accordingly. The methods employed to have them be recognized as foreign students is by them hoisting flags by the buses conveying them over to the borders so that the Russian troops do not mistake them for a threat at night. The students are also carrying along with them travel documents to present to officials at the borders as well as food and water to sustain them while they are on the move.
Africans make up more than 20% of Ukraine’s international students enrollment, studying medicice, engineering and other related fields.
