VOW Statement on the tragic events in the USA on Tuesday, September 11, 2001

As are countless others around the world, members of Canadian Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) are shocked and profoundly saddened by the tragic events in New York and Washington on Tuesday, September 11. We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who are suffering as a result of this attack, including those who have lost loved ones and those who have been the victims of racist attacks.

We denounce these horrific attacks, both for their violent disregard for human life and for their flagrant disregard for the rule of law. We firmly believe that it is the role of legal institutions, such as the International Criminal Court, to hold accountable those individuals responsible and to bring them to justice.

As the United States' neighbour, a particular role has been asked of Canada. And Canada has been an exemplary friend, providing sympathy and assistance. Friends, however, must tell each other not only what they want to hear, but also what they need to hear: the truth.

It is time for Canada to speak the truth to its friend: that we should not join with the United States in proposed actions of revenge and retribution. We must remind the world's only superpower that people around the world are feeling intense - and justifiable - trepidation about the consequences of a potential counter-attack. A military response to terrorism would not eradicate it, but rather strengthen it by creating more "martyrs" and a fertile breeding ground for its continuation.

We in Voice of Women recognize this point in time as a potentially transformative moment of great magnitude. There are critical choices to be made. In the midst of this great tragedy we see signs of hope as more and more people are coming to the realization that violent responses to violent attacks can only result in increased insecurity and instability and the deaths of more innocent people.

The highest level of military spending in history has not made the United States safe from attack. In fact, such skewed priorities may contribute to the culture of violence and injustice that permeates our world: a world in which some people feel sufficiently desperate to sacrifice their own lives, and those of non-combatants.

Our hopes, instead, lie in working to end injustice and oppression, in building positive cooperative relationships amongst all people. In short, in creating a global culture of peace. While peaceful approaches have historically been dismissed by many, especially those in decision-making positions, it is becoming increasingly clear that they offer the only real solution to the problems of violence and war. There is simply no other way.

Canada has the capacity to be a true friend to our American neighbours, and to people all over the globe by refusing to support actions that will exacerbate violence. Instead, we must work for a world based on respect for cultural diversity, economic and social justice and the common security of all people.