The American Human rights Council (AHRC-USA) express its profound condolences to the families of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota and the fallen police officers of Dallas, Texas. We wish all the injured a speedy recovery.
AHRC-USA stands firm with fellow Americans across the nation and President Obama’s call for peace and effective engagement to address these unfortunate challenges. AHRC-USA fully understands the deep frustration and anger as a result of such repeated painful incidents. AHRC-USA calls upon fellow citizens to express their views peacefully in full respect of the law and order of the land.
The fatal shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, the shootings of police officers, and the cycle of violence are another painful reminder that racial profiling, racism, discrimination and the degradation of human life are all elements of the real and true challenges that we all face in America as well as the world. The unnecessary excessive use of force practiced by certain police officers should not be seen, taken or treated as institutionalized police policies. It is however, a deep rooted challenge that must be addressed openly and effectively. The unnecessary use of force that claimed so many precious lives is an ongoing growing challenge in America. These latest shootings are very alarming and require our collective efforts as people and as government in order to find an amicable remedy.
Transparency and real constructive and effective engagement between police and their respective communities are important to address such challenges. Trust can help diffuse crisis. Frank, direct and open communication can help stakeholders develop tools for handling grievances before they develop into crises. Violence is the not the answer. Violence is a tool of destruction that fuels the divide and causes greater harm to all. Our police officers serve as our first responders to our communities in time of need, protection and rescue. Police are not our enemy.
These unfortunate incidents are alarming and continue to repeat themselves. Concerned fellow citizens are grieving and frustrated about the loss of life in our communities. One important, significant and dangerous development is using weapons and engages in cross fire with Police as well as the presence of snipers. This development serves as another tragic reminder of the spread of weapons and the necessity of more gun control and laws and regulations for obtaining guns. These bad elements are not a reflection of the overwhelming majority of peaceful protesters who seek nothing but fairness and justice.
“Indeed it is truly a painful time to all of the families who have lost loved-ones from ends, people and Police. No words can express their grief,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “Time is due for peace, order, healing and reconciliation. Time is due for a thorough review so such tragic incidents will not reoccur,” continued Hamad.
AHRC affirms that time is due for respectful engagement and partnership between the police and the people. Reducing community-law enforcement relations to an adversarial reality is a loss for both the police and citizens. As Americans standing and working together, we can change the cycle of violence to create more peaceful communities and positive relations between law enforcement and citizens.