Yesterday was a very difficult day.

The violence we all witnessed at the Capitol shocked our collective conscience, but it did not rattle our commitment to democracy.

Make no mistake, this was an attempted coup at the hands of white supremacists, right wing militia, and other extremists.

President Trump and many Republicans in Congress incited and enabled the violence that took place yesterday at the Capitol in an effort to overturn a free and fair election. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have warned of exactly this outcome, but for too long, their words have gone unheeded. That's why we are joining with allies in calling for President Trump to be removed by any and all legal means.

Yesterday’s violent actions must serve as a wake-up call to our political leaders that they can no longer ignore these risks to our nation.

Oxfam works in many countries around the world where militias and other non-state armed groups run rampant, and we have seen firsthand how the existence of such groups threatens the safety and well-being of civilians, and undermines the democratic process and the rule of law. And sadly, America is not immune from the danger of violence and authoritarianism.

But as intended in our democratic process, and despite the violent events that occurred yesterday, Congress and Vice President Pence have officially affirmed Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election. Democracy prevailed.

Now we all need to continue to work for peace and respect for the will of the people in our election. Bullies, autocrats, and white supremacists will not succeed in silencing the will of the people. Our country’s leaders must ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

It’s the time for swift action to protect our democracy, for bold, systemic, long-term change and accountability. We call on President-elect Biden and Congress to:

• Dismantle the rising threat of white supremacy in our country and hold those who commit acts of violence accountable.
• Work immediately to address growing inequality, and usher in a new era of progressive, global, and feminist policies that will prioritize peace, racial and gender justice, climate action, poverty alleviation, and equal opportunity for every single person.
• Enact a transformational COVID-19 recovery plan that helps families cope with the economic impacts of the pandemic, get people back to work, rein in corporate power, help rebuild our economy from the bottom up, and begin to tackle the economic, gender, and racial inequalities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

Today, , we remain committed to continue to speak truth to power and to fight for a more resilient and dignified future where everyone can thrive, not just survive.

Thank you for everything that you do as we forge ahead knowing the fight for democracy and against inequality is more urgent than ever.

Courageous supporters like you who believe unshakably in the tenets of freedom and democracy are critical agents of change and the force helping to achieve Oxfam’s mission. 

Sincerely,

Abby Maxman
President
Oxfam America

P.S. Please read our full statement in response to this situation. If you're looking for ways to help, one thing you can do is donate to support Oxfam's work to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice.