Knology stands in solidarity with the citizens and cultures victimized by war crimes – including Ukraine.

At Knology, one of our primary purposes is to support cultural institutions, including museums, which are critical to a thriving society. We are dismayed by how Russia’s attacks on Ukraine appear to have specifically targeted the Ivankiv History Museum, Babyn Yar and other sites of conscience, in addition to hospitals, schools, other civilian centers and religious sites. In light of the foregoing, we call attention to the March 2022 editorial in Curator: The Museum Journal demanding the expulsion of Russian state representatives on the International Council of Museums from the global museum community – especially as certain of these representatives are members of the Duma and voted to authorize the assault now underway. The recent editorial underscores the collaborative work being done to support the museum community and Ukrainian culture under attack, and emphasizes the inexcusable role of aggressors and others who enable such unspeakable crimes.

A second key component of Knology’s research involves Human Rights. The media coverage in the Ukraine has shown an intense spotlight on the horrors of the refugee condition. However, the refugee crisis is not new. In recent years, hundreds of thousands of refugees have been forced to flee their homes in Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Yemen, and elsewhere, destabilizing their livelihoods and wellbeing. According to the U.N.'s Secretary-General António Guterres, more than 80 million people have been displaced by violence, conflict, and human rights violations. And, close to 275 million people will need humanitarian assistance due to conflict. It is critical for Knology and like minded organizations to work together to provide support, research, and comfort to refugees around the globe.
Knology was created to support positive social change. We believe that all people deserve to live in peace with the opportunity to pursue self-determination. In issuing this statement, we call upon our colleagues who are working with mission-driven organizations to use what power they have to aid in the fight against these injustices against the Ukrainian people, preserve cultural heritage sites during times of conflict, and help displaced people everywhere.

Photo credit: Curator: The Museum Journal