Vision

Citizens International has been conceived as a global initiative to foster awareness, activism and advocacy on issues that are central to the stability and wellbeing of humanity at the beginning of the 21 st century. As an independent, non-partisan, non-government and non -profit network, Citizens International is concerned that in the aftermath of 9/11 and the so-called ‘war on terror’, which has become a war without end, the world is today more unstable, divided and volatile.

Citizens International believes that irrespective of race and religion, the interests of humanity are undermined by a reversion to military might to resolves issues and that the internat ional order must rest on the rule of law, based on the United Nations Charter and princip les of international law.

Doctrines of pre-emption, theories of ‘clash of civilizations’ and unilateralism through use of force demand that all those committed to a just and peaceful world join hands to resist and reject this dangerous agenda.

Citizens International feels that since universal values like democracy, rule of law and human rights are indivisible, it is imperative that Muslims who are the main victims of the ‘war on terror’ also concurrently promote and protect these norms in their own countries so that their citizens are able to live a life without fear in an environment of freedom and dignity.

Citizens International will promote a dialogue among civilizations, rejecting both terrorism by the State and non-state actors, resisting the militarization agenda and refuting attempts to malign and vilify Islam and Muslims.

Objectives

Citizens International proposes to pursue these goals through campaigns of:

• Awareness, sharing its perspectives and others that are similar through the internet, print and conferences;
• Activism, by coalition-building with like-minded groups, individuals and institutions particularly the anti-globalization and anti-war movements;
• Advocacy, with parliaments, governments, opinion leaders, multilateral institutions like the UN, OIC and EU and non-governmental organizations.

Citizens International is convinced that the rule of law is superior to the rule by man, repression invariably results in resistance and military might cannot prevail over the popular will. An aware and active public opinion, therefore, is the best safeguard against the diktat of a powerful few.

While the thrust of its work will be in the Muslim World, Citizens International has a worldview premised on a better tomorrow shaped by larger concerns about humanity, given that core human values are universal. It is these universal values that Citizens International seeks promote, protect and project.