Focus aid

Am I alone in wondering why law firms are being urged to aid terrorist-hit families (see [2001] Gazette, 20 September, 1).The attacks in the US were unforgivable, and every possible support should be given to help those affected through their unimaginable trauma.

There is an understandable desire to 'do something' and writing a cheque may seem the only practical option.However, money is unlikely to be a problem for the victims.

The US is the richest country in the world; World Trade Centre companies, almost by definition, are wealthy; and, by the standards of many disasters, the number of fatalities and injured is relatively small.Governments around the world - including the UK - should have little difficulty in taking financial responsibility for their nationals who have been affected.By contrast, there are millions of victims of natural and man-made disasters in desperate need of financial help - to take two topical examples, Afghans suffering from years of civil war and religious fanaticism, and Iraqis from the brutal megalomania of Saddam Hussein and the sanctions which have resulted.Their need is likely to become even greater in the future.

People motivated by altruism are, of course, free to decide where to give their money, but surely there is an overwhelming case for directing generosity to where it is most needed, not where it will hardly even be noticed.The US disaster funds are expected to raise several hundred million dollars, if not more.More generally, the legal community should at this time be re-emphasising the case for the universal acceptance of basic human rights (irrespective of religion, race or culture) and for international justice for the perpetrators of atrocities.

In the latter connection, the US must surely now sign up to the International Criminal Court.

Horrific though they were, the events of 11 September present a unique opportunity for marginalising and holding to account all those who live by tyranny and violence - and lawyers have an important role to play in this respect.David Thomas, solicitor, Chobham, Surrey