STATEMENT OF CONSCIENCE

in Opposition to a Unilateral Military Attack on Iraq
From the UU-United Nations Office
February 11, 2003

We, the Board of Directors of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office, oppose a unilateral, pre-emptive attack on the people and country of Iraq.

We urge support for Security Council Resolution 1441 and the system of weapons inspections in Iraq put in place by that resolution. We recognize that there is nothing in this resolution that permits military action if Iraq is non-compliant. At the same time, the government of Iraq should comply with the requirements of the weapons inspections. A continuation of vigilant and persistent weapons inspections and monitoring in Iraq may forestall the use of force.

We believe that there are even now alternatives to war. Chapter VII, Article 41 of the United Nations Charter suggests measures that may be taken that do not employ the use of force.

It is only if these measures are judged by the Security Council to be inadequate that military force may be agreed to. However, such action should be taken only to the extent that "may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security" [Article 42].

If such action becomes necessary, it must be determined, we believe, by a second Resolution of the Security Council which would make the re! sort to military force multilateral.

In support of our Unitarian Universalist Sixth Principle, we work for a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. It is from this essential belief that we urge against a unilateral military attack on Iraq.

In support of the United Nations itself, we urge that the Charter of the United Nations, Security Council Resolution 1441 and international criminal and humanitarian law be the guiding principles of the decision-makers in the resolution of the conflict in Iraq.

We urge Unitarian Universalists, in congregations and as individuals, to give voice to their concerns at this important time, and to join with like-minded people to promote peace, freedom and justice throughout the world.

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