As an organization of scholars and academics, CAUT has consistently upheld its commitment to resolving disputes through reason, knowledge and understanding, not violence.

At the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education held in Paris in 1998, CAUT proposed a resolution, Towards a Culture of Peace. The resolution was received enthusiastically by the Canadian delegation, by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, and by other delegates in Paris.

The resolution states:

"Whereas, in spite of progress in diverse scientific and technological areas, human society continues to be ravaged by constant warfare; and, the existence and continuing proliferation of atomic weapons and anti-personnel devices throughout the world pose a serious threat to human and animal kind; and, many of the world's nations profit from the sale of arms and weapons; and, the year 2000 has been designated as the International Year for the Culture of Peace;

"Be it resolved that higher education and teaching personnel, together with their institutions, be called upon seriously to contribute their expertise in the various disciplines, scientific and humanistic, to transforming the present culture of war into a culture of peace."

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, we expressed our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families and recognized that the pain and suffering was heartbreaking. We said that the horror of the events challenges belief in humanity and in reason. We added that at such a difficult time we must affirm that we still stand by the values of humanity and reason:

"Although we recognize the desire for violent retribution may at times be overwhelming, hope does not reside there. Rather, it is found in reason, knowledge and understanding. Through the advancement of these principles, a just and secure world can be built. As a community of scholars, CAUT affirms its commitment to this path to peace and is dedicated to pursuing that path."

Now there is a very real possibility of declaration of war on Iraq.

It is our view that Canada must remain committed to a UN-based process in dealing with the current regime in Iraq. The consequences of the United States, or any other nation, taking military action independent of the United Nations could be catastrophic.

The UN charter specifies that only the Security Council may authorize wars, with the single exception of national self-defense against armed attack.

An invasion of Iraq may lead to prolonged instability in that country, destabilization of the wider Middle East including the possibility of a prolonged and heightened conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, increased popular appeal of radical Islamic movements, and increased terrorism in the U.S. and elsewhere. Invading Iraq will probably make both the region and the world less secure. It will also result in the deaths of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Iraqi civilians.

It is clearly in the interests of world peace and stability that UN weapons inspectors be allowed to do their work. It is also in the interests of all peoples and nations of the Middle East that threats of violence and unilateral military action cease, and that all diplomatic and political efforts are made to resolve the region's serious differences and conflicts without the loss of lives.

Victor Catano
President, CAUT