Statement on racism and injustice

The recent police killings of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Sean Reed and Breonna Taylor are weighing heavily on us all. We are filled with grief and concern as we reflect on these incidents and the racial injustice in American society that enables such actions against people of color. 

Pact has long worked with communities across the world to build peace, democracy and justice, and promote inclusion. We believe that everyone has the right to be heard – to know and be able to express their rights and needs without fear of persecution and violence.

Yet we know this is not reality for millions of people around the world today. More work needs to be done not only across the nearly 40 countries where we work, but right here in the United States and in the communities where we live. Injustice in the United States is not new; it has plagued this country since its founding and continues to permeate our institutions and our culture.

We call on leaders across the United States to hold the perpetrators of this systemic violence accountable and to dismantle structural racism and marginalization that persist in our society. We call for moral leadership that addresses the root causes of racism and marginalization. Until the systemic issues are addressed and human rights are respected, the problems will remain.

We recognize that this work begins with us. We are committed to looking at ourselves and doing the work to be better as an organization. Our pledge starts with measuring our successes and failures. To hold ourselves accountable, we are incorporating diversity and inclusion into our organizational performance indicators. We will continue to support our staff and local communities by providing forums for open, honest dialogue, and to accelerate diversity and inclusion in our work and in our organization. Our diversity is one of our greatest assets. We need to nurture it if we are to be part of the change that is needed.

We stand together with those who advocate for an equitable, just and fair world; one where everyone, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, can own their future. It is the better tomorrow that we have worked for and will continue to work for every day.