Global response to violence

The commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York compels all peace-loving people to further sharpen their sense of urgency to respond effectively to the dangers the world still faces from believers in the language of violence.

...even if terrorism remains the number one scourge, there are also other forms of violence- Charles Buttigieg

One very recent example of the presence of such people was the July 22 bomb and shooting in Norway, which left 77 victims dead and dealt a gigantic blow to the entire population of the country. What happened in Norway is a stark reminder that, even today, the ways of violence and the logic of evil are still prevalent.

The evil of terrorism is capable of striking in unimaginable ways. The response of the world community to such acts, therefore, demands leadership of the highest order. As the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, said in a debate on terrorism soon after the Twin Towers’ tragedy, it is hard to imagine how the catastrophe of September 11 could have been worse. Yet, the truth is that a single attack involving a nuclear or biological weapon could have killed millions.

“While the world was unable to prevent the September 11 attacks, there is much we can do to help prevent future terrorist acts carried out with weapons of mass destruction.

“The greatest immediate danger arises from a non-state group – or even an individual – acquiring and using a nuclear, biological or chemical weapon. Such a weapon could be delivered without the need for any missile or any other sophisticated delivery system,” Mr Annan warned.

But even if terrorism remains the number one scourge, there are also other forms of violence. There are the conflicts that not only lead to the death of many innocent people but also cause such great afflictions as hunger, poverty and disease. There is also the suffering of violence on women and children, kidnapping, extortion, ethnic conflict, urban violence, physical and mental torture and violations of human rights.

The World Health Organisation says that, each year, more than 1.6 million people worldwide lose their lives to violence. WHO adds that for every person who dies as a result of violence, many more are injured and suffer from a range of physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health problems. Moreover, violence places a massive burden on national economies, costing countries billions of euros each year in health care, law enforcement and lost productivity.

WHO works with partners to prevent violence through scientifically credible strategies that are conceived and implemented in relation to causes at the levels of the individual, the family, the community and society. The organisation leads a global campaign for violence prevention to raise awareness about the problem of violence, highlight the crucial role that public health can play in addressing its causes and consequences and encourage preventive action at every level of society.

International concern is evident also at the level of Churches. A message issued at the end of an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation held some time ago under the auspices of the World Council of Churches states: “In our journey towards just peace, a new international agenda is of the utmost urgency because of the scope of dangers surrounding us.” Participants called on the ecumenical movement as a whole to make just peace, in all its dimensions, a key priority.

Many a time violent actions are irrational and difficult to comprehend, whether they are committed for personal, political or ideological reasons. It is therefore imperative for peace- and justice-loving nations to stand united in their determined resolve to reject the ways of hatred and conflict and to work together fearlessly in shaping a future of mutual respect, solidarity and freedom for coming generations.