In the lead-up to Sept 11, CAT is initiating an international citizens’ dialogue on terror and security. Five years after 9/11 it is time to take stock of the effects of the attack and the conseqent ‘war on terror.’ Are we living in a more secure world? How can we, as citizens, really challenge terror? How can we win ‘security’ for ourselves and others?

Sept 11 presents a key date:

• It is the eve of the 61st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. This was the deadline set by Kofi Annan for agreement on a comprehensive convention on and definition of terrorism.
• It is the 5th anniversary of 9/11
• It is the 100th anniversary of the day that Mahatma Gandhi launched the first mass campaign of non-violent struggle the world had seen, in South Africa

But Sept 11 is not the only day that has witnessed violent atrocities. We say these should all be of concern.

Through the dialogue CAT we hope to:

• Reach a common definition of terrorism
• Mobilize global defiance of terrorist tactics
• Build a more nuanced picture of threats to citizens
• Research successful civic responses to violence
• Highlight two key groups, victims and activists challenging violence
• Seek common terrain on civic responsibility and how to build a safer world
• Develop recommendations for future projects

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