The French Section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom expresses its compassion and deep regret for the victims of the tragic events of November 13, as well as to their families, friends, and relatives.

These acts of murderous madness are fuelled by a political agenda, with perpetrators manipulating young people who are trained to kill and be killed. Stringent security measures and the state of emergency are necessary measures, which must be limited in time, but they are not sufficient to achieve real safety. Nothing can replace solidarity in fostering lucidity, intelligence and the values of freedom, equality and fraternity, as well as compassion, empathy and dignity. We must apply the motto found on the facades of our schools in order to safeguard social cohesion and our ability to live together in peace. We must strive to solve conflicts between various worldviews through dialogue and non-violence.

Globalisation is a reality, and this type of conflict is becoming globalised. Fanatic and totalitarian forces find fertile grounds on the imbalances that we have created. They use fossil fuels and the criminal networks involved in arms trafficking to achieve their purposes. Ensuring the protection of people depends on genuine sustainable development and on a more equitable sharing of resources.

We must build a culture of peace and make weapons of mass destruction illegal, be they nuclear, chemical or biological.