As we grieve, let us remember that vengeance offers no relief

September 11, 2001

As an international human rights organization committed to social justice, Global Exchange condemns in the strongest terms the attacks that occurred on September 11. Along with people in the U.S. and around the world, we are grieving for the tragic loss of lives. Our deepest sympathies are with the victims' families and loved ones.

In the midst of this tragedy we are urging our fellow citizens and our national leaders to remember that vengeance offers no relief, that retaliation can never guarantee healing, and that to meet violence with violence breeds more rage and more senseless deaths. Only love leads to peace with justice, while hate takes us toward war and injustice.

As we mourn, we also urge all people to recognize that scapegoating is a misguided substitute for accountability. It is unfair and unjust to single out or try to punish any group of people--as some have already done towards Arab and Muslim communities worldwide--for the murderous acts of a few individuals. Respect for the civil liberties of all people must be upheld. Prejudice, we must remember, is a spiral of hatred that only leads to more of the violence like that which has destroyed so many lives today.

As part of the global human rights community, we pledge to redouble our efforts to build bridges of love and respect among all people. We also renew our commitment to our goals of peace, reconciliation and love towards our brothers and sisters around the world--the only way to ensure that the tragedy of September 11 will not be repeated.