Statement of the Secretary General The Violence in Libya Must Stop
Statement of the Secretary General
The Violence in Libya Must Stop
24 February 2011
Violence in Libya
The ongoing brutal attacks by government security forces and mercenaries upon thousands of peaceful protesters in Libya are utterly reprehensible and must stop. Moreover, the people of Libya deserve to be protected should the Libyan government continue violent attacks against them.
Religious leaders of many faiths around the world are condemning and calling for a cessation of the violence in Libya. For example, the prominent and controversial Sunni Muslim scholar, Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, who offered the message in last Friday’s prayer service in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, urged soldiers in the Libyan army to “disobey when [the government] gives orders to kill the people using warplanes.” He further urged a complete cessation of the government’s violence. As the violence began, the World Council of Churches called for “all parties to respect the human rights of all people in Libya and [urged] that ways be found to establish a peaceful dialogue to end the violence.”
The members of Religions for Peace–the world’s largest multi-religious coalition solely dedicated to advancing principled cooperation for peace–also condemn these heinous acts of violence against civilians in Libya. We are united in extending our most heartfelt sympathy and support to the affected families and communities.
In addition, mindful of the grave danger that the people in Libya face, Religions for Peace calls on the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, other regional intergovernmental bodies and all governments to undertake responsible and legal actions to help to ensure the safety and full rights of the people in Libya.
Yours in partnership,
Dr.
William F. Vendley
Secretary General
