CENTRE FOR LIBERATION THEOLOGIES

Letter to the Secretary General of the UN
from Pax Christi International

Last Update: 18 October 2001

To H.E. Kofi Annan
United Nations Secretary-General
UN Secretariat
New York, NY 10017
USA

Reference: SD.42.E.01 Wednesday, 17 October 2001

Dear Secretary General,

Pax Christi, the International Catholic peace movement active worldwide, congratulates you and the United Nations for being awarded the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. We believe that the right decision at the right time has been taken by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to honour and praise you and the United Nations as the stronghold of our shared values and commitment for peace, security, human rights, freedom and prosperity for all. You have tirelessly rallied support for these values. Through your strong personal commitment, you have increased the credibility of the United Nations as we begin a new millennium.

At the same time we are deeply worried about the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and the possible consequences of a “war” against terrorism. We urgently call for the immediate stop of the air strikes over Afghanistan by the USA and the UK. Stopping the bombardments would allow much needed humanitarian assistance to get into Afghanistan for people who urgently needed it. We believe that other less violent ways could be found to stop violent aggression of any kind. We do fear the globalisation of insecurity but at the same time we also believe that terrorism cannot be stopped by bombing Afghanistan which creates more hatred between the peoples.

We want to elaborate more on the suggestions we have formulated in our previous letter to you of 24 September 2001. Pax Christi International deeply regrets that an approach to security has been set in motion that does not give up till now the United Nations its appropriate role in the present crisis with global repercussions. We appreciate the efforts the United Nations is already making, and believe that greater response will be required in the areas of human rights, humanitarian aid, and development in the days ahead. The UN should also increase its potential in finding a political solution in Afghanistan which could be the beginning of a new episode in a country where the population has suffered so much.

We mention especially the role of the United Nations in establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). We encourage all nations, including the United States, to ratify the Rome Statute of the ICC, so that more than 60 ratifications can be registered in order to bring the Statute in operation. For the future, we believe that the ICC has the potential to help put an end to the past century’s cycle of impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern. Concerning terrorism, we would like to ask you to take the initiative for the establishment, through the UN authority, of a special tribunal with the prosecution of those indicted for the crime of international terrorism, possibly commencing with the apprehension and trial of those behind the terrible acts of 11 September.

All efforts should be made to prevent any escalation of the conflict. Such an escalation would endanger the lives of more innocent people and would be counterproductive. The UN should engage all concerned/affected countries in a real and substantive (multilateral) dialogue. At the same time we urge all nations to obey international law, to refrain from illegal acts of warfare and to strengthen cooperation to prevent acts of terrorism. (Resolutions of the Security Council: 1269/1999, 1368/2001 and 1373/2001; and the General Assembly: A/RES 49/60). Pax Christi International supports the UN Commission on Human Rights in its Resolution stating “all measures to counter terrorism must be in strict conformity with international law, including international human rights standards.” (Resolution 2000/30, preambular paragraph 20; and Resolution 2001/37, preambular paragraph 27). The UN should consider holding an International Conference on Terrorism with the support of the US and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) so that a fully internationally based strategy can be developed over time.

As an international NGO with longstanding consultative status with the ECOSOC, we will redouble our efforts to overcome the political, social and economic injustice. We will make a special effort at public education on these central purposes of the United Nations.

Yours Sincerely,

Etienne De Jonghe
International Secretary