Human Rights First Statements Regarding
the September 11, 2001 -
Attacks on the United States

Human Rights First joins in grieving the devastating loss of life resulting from last Tuesday's attacks.
We condemn all who planned, assisted, or carried out these horrific attacks and urge governments to act collectively to bring them to justice. In responding to these attacks, it is incumbent on governments to act in a manner that reinforces a collective commitment to justice and the rule of law.

It is clear that in the face of heightened security concerns going forward, the principles of human rights and civil liberties will be sharply challenged, particularly in the United States . Human Rights First - indeed our whole community - must work to ensure that these barbaric events not be allowed to undermine the fundamental freedoms on which the United States founded and built.

We believe that the world's security and stability will depend, now more than ever, on serious efforts to advance justice, human dignity and the rule of law to every corner of the globe. This is especially true for those states that today breed the hatred and fanaticism that made Tuesday's attacks possible. This moment demands sober, measured and principled public discourse on these issues. In the shadow of last week's horror, we must rededicate ourselves to a human rights mission that is now more important than ever.