| Statement by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights on
the Attacks of September 11
We join the international community in expressing our condolences to
the families and friends of all the victims in Tuesday's attacks. There
can be no justification for these violent actions that have caused the
loss of lives to so many unsuspecting and innocent people from all walks
of life.
A number of us in the immigrant rights community in the U.S. have just
returned from South Africa, from the United Nations conference against
racism and xenophobia. We were able to witness first hand, and participate
in discussions and debates on complex, complicated issues of international
concern, and can reaffirm the importance of dialogue and respect among
peoples and nations.
In past years, various acts of international aggression have provoked
indiscriminate blame, sometimes resulting in retaliatory violence that
has harmed innocent civilians, or which has particularly targeted immigrants
and others based on their racial or ethnic backgrounds. We understand
that the shock and anger produced by the unthinkable events of this past
week also hold that awful potential - and in fact, certain groups, particularly
in the Arab and Muslim communities, are already experiencing incidents
of harassment or violence. Such retaliatory activity is clearly wrong
and should not be tolerated. In light of the terrible loss that many
have already suffered this past week, it is all the more distressful
that more innocent people should be unnecessarily blamed and victimized.
We support the calls being made in this country and around the world,
for a period of reflection and dialogue, for respect for innocent lives
and for international law. In the difficult period ahead, we encourage
all to join in these activities and more, to recommit ourselves to protecting
our democratic principles, and to building a society where we can all
live in dignity and peace.
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) 310-8th St.,
Ste. 303 Oakland, CA 94607 510.465.1984 510.465.1885 (fax) Visit us at
www.nnirr.org |
