PSI condemns recent deadly terrorist attacks in Belgium, Pakistan, Iraq and Turkey

On 19 March, a suicide bomber blew himself up on tourist-popular Istiklal Street in the bustling center of Istanbul's shopping district, killing at least five people. Turkey's interior minister said a Turkish member of The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was responsible for the blast.

Then, on 22 March, a series of explosions hit Brussels airport and the Belgian capital's subway. In these attacks, 32 victims were killed and over 300 people were injured. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) - also known as ISIS - claimed responsibility for the attacks.

After that, on 25 March, a suicide attacker detonated an explosive vest in Iskandariya, Iraq, killing 32 people. A majority of the victims were boys between the ages of 10 and 16. Some 84 people were wounded. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - which controls large areas of the country's north and west - later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Finally, on 28 March, more than 70 people died and over 300 were wounded as bomber kills mostly women and children in Lahore, Pakistan. The attack, which was claimed by a breakaway Taliban faction, aimed at killing members of Pakistan's Christian minority gathered at the park to celebrate Easter Sunday.

These attacks are meant to inspire fear and hatred, pushing towards a spiral of ever more violence. The perpetrators of these heinous crimes, and those who support them, have to be identified and brought to justice, but we must also tackle the root causes of this terror. PSI and its affiliates around the world stand united and in solidarity for peace, tolerance, justice and a better future for all.

PSI also confirms the commitment of the trade union movement to peace, and against terrorism and acts of violence that have no place in democratic societies.

PSI General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli conveys her sympathy, solidarity and support to all workers and trade unions, saluting the commitment of the health and emergency services, police and the army in these very difficult circumstances.

PSI’s Steering Committee adopted an emergency resolution on terrorism on 17 November 2015.

More information:

• PSI and EPSU condemn the terrorist attacks in Brussels
• EPSU also joined ETUC in solidarity with the people of Belgium