Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), and the UNA-USA Diversity Equity Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI) Task Force issued the following statement today on mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Laguna Woods, California:
The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), with its network of over 200 chapters and its Diversity Equity Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI) Task Force, condemns the racially motivated mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Laguna Woods, California this past weekend, as well as all domestic terrorism. Our condolences are with the victims and the communities directly and indirectly affected by these horrific attacks.
Our society faces the dire reality that in less than six months of this year alone, 2022, there have been 203 mass shootings with almost 1,000 people killed or wounded. Such barbarism and hate cannot be endured by a nation that champions peace, equality and security for all.
We must use all available resources to eliminate racially and ethnically-motivated violent extremism. These must include legislative, judicial, civic, organizational, and individual efforts. The UNA-USA is committed to educating and mobilizing our communities in these efforts.
To address ongoing systemic racism in the United States and around the world, UNA-USA will conduct consultations on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination during our upcoming 2022 Leadership Summit and other related programs. Collected feedback and recommendations will be submitted to the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in advance of its UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination review of the U.S. in August.
Our goal is to have our voices heard and be a significant part of this national and global action. Join us in this critical crusade for peace and security – not only in our communities but throughout the world.
May 17, 2022
