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Statement of the
Women's Caucus for Gender
Justice
on Terrorist Attacks in the U.S.
Like the millions of others who wind their way
through the streets of New York City every day, those in our New York office
have felt the terrorist attacks of September 11th in a very personal way. Some
watched from their windows as the towers crumbled. One of our members from
Africa lost a close family member in the attack against the World Trade
Center. The tragic stories continue to unfold as we gradually learn of the
extensiveness of the destruction and the international diversity of those
killed.
As a network of women's groups and individuals
from all over the world, we express our condemnation of these violent acts.
Many in our network are no strangers to acts of terrorism - whether committed
by the State or non-state actors in Kenya, Algeria, France, or the Middle East
or in the form of genocide in Rwanda, ethnic cleansing in the Former
Yugoslavia, war and /or disappearances in Chile, Nicaragua, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Burma, Congo Brazzaville, Sierra Leone, and,
not least, Afghanistan. Those who have known the unfathomable impact of such
violence have expressed their profound shock, sadness and concern in the wake
of September 11.
Shocking as these acts of terrorism have been
for the entire world, such actions do not arise out of thin air. Rather, they
bring to light the need for the U.S. and the international community to
reflect on the economic, political, military and social policies that lead to
profound injustices and power imbalances which foster a climate of desperation
and frustration which can then be tapped for violent ends.
Justice Not War
We are horrified by the spectacle of militarism
and quest for vengeance as expressed by leaders in the U.S. Acts of terror
such as those which took place on September 11th arise from extremist
ideologies. Extremist movements arise from a complex interplay of social,
economic and political forces and are not resolvable in the longterm by the
use of force -- whether that use of force is characterized as American crusade
or Islamic jihad. Indeed, war-like response is often the desired goal in
climates governed by extremist ideology, which gain strength from the use of
violence.
Afghanistan is now at the center of the world's
stage as a result of the recent events and is a clear example of the
complexities of extremism and the futility of the use of force. For years now,
women in Afghanistan and the world over have tried to alert the international
community to the severe system of oppression within Afghanistan and the threat
to peace and security beyond its borders presented by this brand of extremism,
which has fostered an extensive global network. War against Afghanistan will
only add to the deplorable conditions and suffering of the Afghani people and
unite and strengthen this and other extremist movements. Each time, we descend
into violence as a response to acts of terror, we increase the power and
control that extremist movements wield.
In 1997, the Women's Caucus joined the
international community in the UN-sponsored negotiations toward the creation
of an International Criminal Court as a means to end impunity for all
atrocities and serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. It is
our belief that there can be no lasting peace without real justice and that
the justice needs to apply evenly to all. We view the future International
Criminal Court as a necessary and important mechanism to address, and
ultimately help deter, horrendous crimes such as those committed on September
11 and to assist in maintaining peace.
While the International Criminal Court does not
exist yet and would not apply retroactively, international law can and should
be applied to these events as alternatives to the use of force. These acts
should be recognized as international crimes, not acts of war, and addressed
through the proper channels -- investigation, extradition, and fair trial at
which time the full story can be made clear to the world.
At times of crisis, there is always the danger
that processes and structures intended to address such situations are
discarded in favor of vengeance. Member States of the United Nations should be
especially conscious of the need to proceed carefully and in accordance with
the rule of law. Each time we resist violent retaliation and adhere to this
rule or law, we strengthen the fabric and force of that rule as it applies to
everyone.
Respect, Protect and Fulfill all Rights and Liberties
We are concerned about accounts of attacks in
different parts of the world, but especially within the United States, against
people of Arab, Muslim or South Asian backgrounds, and those perceived to be
of such backgrounds. We strongly condemn such acts and call on all governments
to be especially conscious of the need to protect the rights of people to be
free of such violence, persecution and discrimination.
We are also concerned that basic human rights,
whether civil and political or economic and social, may be threatened. We have
heard accounts of the due process rights of immigrants being among the first
to be called into question. We also fear the increased disregard of economic
and social rights as governments pour their resources even more into the
materiel of war. It is vitally important at this moment that the situation not
be used as an excuse by our governments to increase the militarization of our
societies or curb the rights to free speech, freedom of association and due
process.
Women, Peace and Security
There is a distinct lack of women's voices and
perspectives on all sides of the discussions in different parts of the world
responding to the events of September 11. Countless women have been working on
issues of peace and security for years and have expertise and insights into
terrorist violence and methodology. Yet, our voices are not sought after nor
heard amidst the battle cries of military and civilian leaders - in direct
contravention to a Security Council mandate contained in resolution 1325
relating to Women, Peace and Security.
In this resolution, the Security Council
stressed the need to increase women's role in decision-making with regard to
conflict prevention and resolution. We call on all governments involved in
discussions about responses to the events of September 11 to ensure the
"equal participation and full involvement" of women "in all
efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security" as per
resolution 1325.
As the recent events present great personal and
political challenges for us all, we continue to support the courageous
movements for peace in New York and other parts of the country, and
particularly the efforts of our U.S. members and colleagues. Despite the
prevalent images in the media, we are encouraged by the widespread and
intensive activism in the streets and parks of New York and other parts of the
country saying 'no' to war.
Every decision and action taken now will have a
longterm impact on the course of world events. Creating and maintaining a just
peace is hard work. It does not equal inaction, but requires courage, strength
and creativity in addressing horrific situations without perpetuating the
cycle of militarism, violence and death.
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