The catastrophic and tragic events that have been developing in Japan over the last few days have sent shockwaves around the world. The scale of the disaster is difficult to comprehend, especially at distance, and particularly through the abstractions of the international media. It is impossible to imagine the powerful viscerality of living through such massive demonstrations of the destructive power of nature, and difficult to understand the anxiety and fear of nuclear disaster that has followed the earthquakes and tsunami. From the privileged safety and calm of The Hague, we should remember that these events are first and finally about real people struggling for their lives.
From here, we can only hope that the emergency services and institutions of Japan and elsewhere are able to help, and that the people of Japan receive (and feel) the support they need. I have every faith in the resilience and industry of the people there, but I hope that the staff and students of LUC will do all they can to support those people in this time of dire need. There are ways for us to help, please find them.
For now, on behalf of LUC, I wish those affected by these events strength and health and a speedy recovery.
With deep sincerity, Chris Goto-Jones (dean, LUC)
No comments:
Post a Comment