In response to post-9/11 backlash, The Advocates for Human Rights conducted research and authored the report, Voices from Silence: Personal Accounts of the Long-Term Impact of 9/11, which details the personal stories of fear and discrimination experienced by immigrants, refugees, and religious minorities in Minnesota. The report contextualizes these narratives with an overview of post-9/11 laws and policies that have affected these communities.
“We heard repeated stories of persisting prejudice from clients and colleagues who did not feel safe in speaking out,” says Robin Phillips, executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights. “This report provides a forum for individuals to finally expose the stories they have been too afraid to tell.”
Personal accounts are followed by an outline of state and federal laws that have affected immigrants, refugees, and religious minorities. Pointing to the effect that these laws and policies have had on the experiences of those interviewed, the report calls for the protection of human rights of all and for consideration of the silenced voices in future policy debates about national security, counterterrorism, civil liberties, and immigration.
VOICES FROM SILENCE REPORT Download the report: "Voices from Silence: Personal Accounts of the Long-Term Impact of 9/11"
Submit a post-9/11 experience.
TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE Download the transcript of the Feb. 22, 2007 Press Conference.
STATEMENTS OF RESPONSE Statement by Robin Phillips, Executive Director of The Advocates
Media Advisory from Congressman Keith Ellison
Statement by Senator Amy Klobuchar
Statement by Representative Karen Clark
News Release from Representative Carlos Mariani
Statement by Senator Sandy Pappas
Statement by Representative Steve Simon
Statement by Mayor R.T. Rybak
Statement by Transportation Security Administration