The freedom to assemble and protest is a cornerstone of our American democracy and fundamental to who we are as Americans. The streets of our cities are not war zones, and people on those streets are not combatants.

Oxfam strongly believes in the power of people to make systemic change.

Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with those who demand justice, accountability, and decisive action to end the institutionalized racism that persists in the US, and we loudly affirm that BLACK LIVES MATTER. Please see our full statement here.

We condemn the excessive force used by police and military forces in cities across the United States against protesters, members of the media, and bystanders in recent days, as well as the violent rhetoric emanating from the White House.

As a humanitarian organization working around the world, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of suppressing peaceful protest and the right to dissent. Rather than stand with the oppressed in the pursuit of a more perfect democracy, President Trump appears to be taking his cues from some of the very regimes the US has previously criticized.

Today, and every other day, we stand with those demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubrey, and the countless other Black people who were killed by a racist and broken American system.

If you're looking for a way to take action today, we urge you to follow the lead of our Black-led partner groups who are asking for allies to take action and donate right now.

Sincerely,

Abby Maxman
President
Oxfam America