Why has this project been set up?
In times of crisis, universities in the Global South are often hit particularly hard. When conflict, war or occupation erupts, external sources of funding frequently dry up, often when the need for support is greatest.
Koen De Feyter Solidarity Fund was established on the initiative of the UAntwerp's Global Working Group on Global Engagement as an expression of the University's societal commitment, as a way of demonstrating solidarity with partner institutions in the South, and as part of the university's human rights policy.
We are currently working with Birzeit University (West Bank, Palestine) and the Université Catholique de Bukavu (Democratic Republic of Congo).
How are the funds used?
- The funds are used to provide scholarships and study grants for students at our partner institutions. In this way, we aim to ensure the continuity of education and research, even under challenging circumstances.
- The Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB) has more than 5,000 students and receives around a hundred applications each year from students who can no longer afford their studies. Thanks to a network of local and international partners, the university is able to provide financial support to some of these students. In 2024, 78 students were able to receive a scholarship, partly funded by the university itself and partly through these partners. In 2025, however, the need is greater than ever. Ongoing conflict and insecurity in South Kivu have caused many families to lose their income, and the number of scholarship applications has nearly doubled. To prevent students from being forced to abandon their studies, we are offering additional support through the partnership between USOS and this solidarity fund to students affected by the conflict.
- Due to the ongoing war in Gaza, movement restrictions, and the economic crisis in Palestine, many families have lost their sources of income. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for students to afford their education. In 2024, Birzeit University, with support from the Koen De Feyter Solidarity Fund, was able to award three students a full scholarship, and we plan to continue supporting them throughout the coming semesters of their studies.
In memory of Koen De Feyter
The fund is named after Professor Koen De Feyter (1960–2024), a leading scholar in international law and law and development. He played an influential role both within and beyond the university, placing justice and human rights at the heart of education, research and policy. As the founder of the Law and Development Research Network and a driving force behind numerous collaborations with the Global South, he was a key figure striving for equal access to knowledge and justice. The fund seeks to continue his lifelong commitment to global academic solidarity.
Read more about the academic career of Koen De Feyter.
The support to Birzeit University was made possible through Global Minds funding from VLIRUOS.
