September 11 Statement

Wednesday, September 12, 2001

This statement is in response to the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The authors are from over 30 Non-governmental organizations from five continents who attended United Nations DPI/NGO 54th Annual Conference, focusing on the "Diversity of the Volunteer Experience." Having witnessed the tragic events, we condemn this act of violence against innocent victims and offer our prayers and condolences to the families and friends who have suffered horrific losses. This statement, our continued work, and consistent volunteering around the world are our contribution to end the cycle of violence and to build a culture of peace.

We need to seek justice and not revenge. For too long we have lived in a world that practices an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. This has led to a cycle of violence in which the innocent often suffer. We need to move from a culture of war and violence to a culture of peace and non-violence emphasizing tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution.

The pain of any portion of humanity is felt by all, underlining the interconnectedness of human kind. We must mobilize our resources and energy to heal from these tragedies and continue to grow into a world community for the benefit of present and future generations. We must have the courage to bring our differences to the consultation table, rather than resorting to confrontation. Raising issues to the level of principle and universal values inspires the will and motivation to find practical solutions. May leaders and citizens of the world recognize the oneness of humanity.

We support the following Youth Statement made by the youth delegates of this conference:
We came in peace, we were met with violence.
We refuse to be used as instruments of hatred, aggression, and war.
We count upon you of the General Assembly, and perceive that it is your task to put us before your political agendas.
We call upon all youth to empower each other and help build the Culture of Peace.

In conclusion, we issue the following general call to action:

First, we call on the United Nations and all its member states to work diligently to stop the cycle of violence, terrorism and attacks of retribution in the world, and to strengthen the reliance on consultations, judicial proceedings and the international rule of law.

Second, we call upon individual NGOs to re-examine their missions and mandates and to develop specific action plans for non-violence to be implemented locally, nationally or internationally.

Third, we call upon the UN-NGO community to act as a global network of world citizens to work on a collective action for world peace, gathering the wisdom and wishes of humankind, and expressing them to any country or group acting against our common goals for peace.

Finally, we call upon all individuals worldwide, each within the context of their own lives, to develop and promote concrete initiatives against all forms of violence and injustice and to participate in the local development of a culture of peace and non-violence.