Letters and messages from the chief commissioner: September 19, 2001
Chief Commissioner Charlach Mackintosh of the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission issued the following statement on aftermath of the US attacks.
Edmonton, September, 19 2001:
"On September 11, 2001, my 22-year-old step-daughter was at “Ground Zero” in New York. In our family, we are giving thanks that her life was not taken. More than five thousand others were not so fortunate and perished in a series of horrific terrorist attacks.
“America has now declared war on terrorism. In naming a Muslim as their prime suspect, we must resist the propensity to lay blame on all who are of the same faith. The world’s 1.4 billion Muslims in every country now fear for safety because of the threat of war, and because of the fear from reactions from non-Muslims. Those of us who are not Muslims not only fear for friends who are, but also for our own liberties and human rights that define our way of life.
“I am left wondering what implications the new forms of “security” may have on human rights and justice. As support for increased security grows, so too, do calls for limiting civil liberties and human rights. In the name of security, we are warned that in the months and years ahead, we may be asked to make sacrifices that may compromise many of the laws that guide our society.
“Blessed with the luxury of being able to contemplate the future, somewhat removed from the cacophony of shock, sorrow, anger and revenge, we would be wise to remember that the intent of terrorism is to inspire terror. I believe the fuel for the fire of hatred and prejudice is ignorance, anger and fear. Perhaps the difficulty in bravery during a time like this involves standing tall and refusing to yield to terrorism. Surrendering to it only demonstrates that we have allowed our anger and our fears to direct our actions.
“I call on all Albertans to be vigilant in defence of human rights and not succumb to the temptation of treating others disrespectfully. Now more than ever, this extends to those who happen to be the same religious affiliation or racial background as the suspected perpetrators of the September 11 massacres. Instead, we must rise above the senseless hatred and persecution already suffered, and not categorize all in the same manner, as terrorists categorize others.
“Those responsible for the attacks must not be allowed to destroy our respect for justice and human rights; otherwise, terrorism will have succeeded in its mission and truly won the day.”
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Cassie Palamar
Manager, Education and Commission Services
Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission
(403) 297-7437
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