UN launches year-long celebration of vital role of world’s forests

2 February 2011 – Today the UN General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests, on which at least 1.6 billion people depend for their daily livelihoods and subsistence needs. Forests are also home to over 60 million people, mainly members of indigenous and local communities, who reside in forests.

“Every one of us, all seven billion people on earth, has our physical, economic and spiritual health tied to the health of our forest ecosystems,” noted Jan McAlpine, the Director of the Forum’s Secretariat. “Throughout 2011, we will celebrate this intricate, interdependent relationship between forests and people,” she said.

“Forests for People” is the main theme of the International Year of Forests, which was launched at a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York attended by world leaders, Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and forest experts.

A group of students challenged the UN Member States to act quickly before it is too late to protect the planet for the future generation and to join in the campaign on planting one trillion trees. For interesting video clips and more information on International Year of Forests, please visit: http://www.un.org/webcast & http://www.un.org/news/

International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day- December 2010

This year, 2010, we are invited to remember the human rights defenders who act to end discrimination in all its forms.  Some of these people, like Ghandi and Nelson Mandela are famous.  Others are not well known. They work individually or in groups, in local communities, in national capitals, or even on the international level to promote the rights and dignity of all.

Human rights defenders “speak up” when they see discrimination, exclusion, oppression or violence.  Some advocate for justice, some work with victims, some demand accountability. All believe the opening words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

This task of defending human rights cannot be left to others.  Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the authors of the UDHR said it well: “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

As December 10, 2010 draws near we are all invited to examine the “small places, close to home” to determine what human rights need to be defended, and how can we “speak up” and “stop discrimination.” 

 Resources  

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml  (360 languages)
• The Vatican Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace makes available the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church and statements related to human rights. (Multiple Languages) http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/ 
• Theology Library on Human Rights  http://www.shc.edu/theolibrary/cst.htm   offers documents, articles, and a directory of web links related to human rights around the world.
• The Elders, http://www.theelders.org/   a group of eminent global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela, offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, and promotion of human rights.
• Education for Justice http://www.educationforjustice.org/   (English, Español), a project of the Center of Concern, and Faith Doing Justice offer resources, which foster greater understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and current social justice and human rights issues.
• The UN Cyberschoolbus   http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/   (English, Español) suggests materials to help to teach and promote human rights with children.
• Multilingual Human Rights  http://boes.org/multilingual/ ,  Children’s Rights Across the World http://www.boes.org/justice.html  (Multiple Languages) provides the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 Actions  

1. Pray that the dignity and rights of all are respected
2. Plan an event to commemorate Human Rights Day in your local community, school, or religious centers
3. Learn more about Human Rights Defenders and test you Human Rights IQ.
4. Visit the website of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/HRDay2010.aspx  for information on the theme and scheduled activities and events for December 10.
5. Know your rights; read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml    (360 languages).
6. Educate for justice by promoting values of human rights, Catholic Social Teaching http://www.osjspm.org/catholic_social_teaching.aspx , and the Millennium Development Goals http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ 
7. Learn more about how Amnesty International support Human Rights Defenders
8.  Join a human rights organization or network such as Human Rights Watch http://www.hrw.org/   to keep informed of current human rights concerns.
9. Learn about forms of discrimination and limitations on human rights in your country or region, and advocate for non-discrimination and respect of human rights for all
10. Express solidarity with someone who has experienced some form of discrimination or limitation of their human rights
11. Share with others whatever you do to mark Human Rights Day;

 Prayer

God of Justice,

You have given all of your children

Human dignity and human rights

Help us recognize the dignity and the rights

Of all of human kind

Open our hearts to hear your teachings,

Open our eyes to the suffering

Of those who are denied their basic economic,

social, and political rights.

Let our voices join in declaring

All humanity is sacred, all human rights must be respected.

 

(Center of Concern)

 

 

The UN Secretary General’s message

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN  -  25 November,  2010

As we observe the 2010 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us acknowledge the widespread and growing efforts to address this important issue. No longer are women’s organizations alone. From Latin America to the United States, from Asia to Africa, men and boys, young and old, musicians, celebrities and sports personalities, the media, public and private organizations, and ordinary citizens are doing more to protect women and girls and promote their empowerment and rights.

The social mobilization platform “Say NO-UNiTE” has recorded almost 1 million activities implemented by civil society and individuals worldwide. In August this year at the fifth World Youth Conference in Mexico, young activists from around the world were clear in their message: “It’s time to end violence against women and girls!” Member States, too, are engaged. As of November 2010, my database on the extent, nature and consequences of violence against women, which also logs policies and programmes for combating the pandemic, has registered more than 100 reports from governments.

This year’s observance highlights the role the business community can play – from developing projects to providing direct financial support to organizations working to end violence and embracing the principles of corporate social responsibility. The “Women’s Empowerment Principles”, an initiative of the UN Global Compact and UNIFEM, recognize the costs to business of violence against women and are now supported by more 120 leading companies. A growing number of media outlets are bringing light to bear on so-called “honour-killings”, trafficking of girls and sexual violence in conflict, and are raising awareness about the benefits to society of empowering women. Yet much more needs to be done. In homes, schools and the office, in refugee camps and conflict situations, the corporate sector can help us to prevent the many forms of violence that women and girls continue to face.

My UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, and the Network of Men Leaders I launched last year, have generated welcome momentum and engagement. The word is spreading: violence against women and girls has no place in any society, and impunity for perpetrators must no longer be tolerated. On this International Day, I urge all – Governments, civil society, the corporate sector, individuals – to take responsibility for eradicating violence against women and girls.

Raising the profile of Women and Girls at the UN!

“Now is the time to recognise the human dignity and worth of the girl child and to ensure the full enjoyment of her human rights and fundamental freedoms….” (Beijing Declaration 1995) At this fourth World Conference on Women, participating Governments also expressed their commitment – “ to advance the goals of equality, development, and peace for all women everywhere in the interest of humanity..”
That was fifteen years ago and the progress since seems to have been slow and uneven. In 2000 the 1325 resolution called for’participation in which women can contribute to decision-making and ultimately help shape societies where violence against women is not the norm.’
These two major events are unparalleled in terms of what they can do to empower women, not only to give 50% of the world’s population their due but also to make the world a better place to live. Yet the record of implementation by many countries is very disappointing. So far only 19 countries have submitted their national action plans for implementation.
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Millenium Development Goals(MDG’S) and the Review Summit in September offered the opportunity among other things to critique the progress of governments in fulfilling the goals. It also offered women’s organisations the time to emphasise once again the centrality of gender equality and the empowerment of women in achieving the MDG’s It is accepted that ‘poverty has a woman’s face’as many Sisters working in deprived areas or with the marginalised can testify. The key to the eradication of poverty may lie in the fulfilment of women’s rights and gender justice. Societies where women are equal stand a much greater chance of achieving the MDG’s by 2015.
While I always had a concern for women and children that concern has heightened considerably since coming to the UN. In the so-called developed world we can be removed from the real and dreadful suffering, deprivation, and powerlessness of women in other parts of the Universe. Very wisely our IPA mission directives call us to be mindful of and do what we can at whatever level to address these concerns. We have a unique opportunity here to add our voices to whatever statements are made to highlight the plight of women and girls…Recent data shows that in Sub-, Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East women account for more than half the people living with HIV/AIDS, while women over all make up two thirds of the world’s 774m adult illiterates….no change over two decades! No change either in the labour market where women’s participation over the same length of time has remained at 52%. Violence of different forms,against women and girls continues to be a universal phenomenon – within and without the home. A recent survey here in the States indicates that the numbers of girls trafficked has shown a considerable increase over the last six months alone . Research from the grassroots verifies these statistics from many parts of the world.
But there is a real hope for greater progress this year with the overall theme “Access and participation of women and girls , to education, training, science and technology , including the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work” because of the increased efforts of all those who want to make a difference supported by the creation of a new entity at the UN-Un Women, with its first Executive Director, Michelle Bachelet. She spoke with real conviction and determination, as did Hilary Clinton in the Security Council two weeks ago saying that “UN Women will significantly boost UN efforts to expand opportunities for women and girls and tackle discrimination across the globe…all that is needed now to move from policy to action is determined leadership. We all know that women count for peace. But for them to count for peace, they need all of us”
Teresa Kennedy

New Web address for IPA!

You are invited to access the IPA website with a new and attractive face! 

www.internationalpresentationassociation.org

Religious of the UN continue to discuss on the Issue of Genetically Engineered Seeds

Ann Braudis, Maryknolls, clarified some terminology regarding genetically modified seeds. Over time some modification of genetic material ( DNA, the gene, carries the heredity content of the species and other inherited traits and factors of a particular species) occurs naturally in nature. Recent scientific experimentation has introduced man manipulated changes into previously pure, natural genetic material.

This process of introducing different hereditary material into the gene is known as genetic engineering. Not only is genetic material being introduced within the same species but also into organisms of different species (plant to animal and animal to plant). These so called scientific advances are being marketed as progress and in some instances, promoted as the answer to poverty eradication.

We were reminded that all of these so called advances are purely experimental and there is no evidence of their effect/affect on the human person or on the future of the plant and animal species. The genetically modified seed is the item prominent on the market today. Main advantages promised are greater crop yield and shorter growing season. Again these advances are driven by the market economy.

Bishops, in some African and South American Countries have spoken out against the use of such seed; additionally several governments including the EU, France, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Bolivia along with other South American Governments are prohibiting the entrance modified seeds. Other related areas of concern include, labeling and patenting of agricultural products. Unfortunately, the US is very engaged in seeking market access for these genetically modified products via its engagement in the various free/liberalized trade agreements, especially via NAFTA. Most all of these agreements come with harmful strings attached for the poor countries. (Report presented by Faith Colligan, Daughters of Charity)

Human Development Report 2010

People are the real wealth of the Nations “People are the true measure of a nation’s wealth” is the premise that guided Human Development Report (HDR) since 1990. The HDR is published yearly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), headed now by Helen Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. The HDR measures the nation’s wealth ‘not by GNP [gross national product], FDI [foreign direct investment], and ODA [official development assistance] but by “human development” – how human beings in each society live and what substantive freedoms they enjoy.

At the launch of the 20th Anniversary edition http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2010/  on November 4th 2010, the UN Secretary General acknowledged late Mahbub ul Haq, Pakistan’s Minister of Finance, a World Bank official, an adviser to UNDP, as the intellectual father of the Human Development Report. Prof. Amartya Sen, Indian Economist and Nobel Laureate, present at the event, was honoured for his groundbreaking work as collaborator with Mr. Haq. Please watch this short informative DVD http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid43942729001?bctid=659474810001

Prof. Amartya Sen reminded the participants that Millennium Declaration 2000 was focused on people centered development, drawing inspiration from the HDRs. The three new indices presented by HDR 2010 are: a) Inequality in health, education standards and the distribution of income; b) Gender Inequality in women’s participation in government and workforce…c) Multidimensional poverty identifying deprivation at household level including health, schooling and living conditions. It was declared that the HDR 2010 continues to be the source to draw inspiration to accelerate efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals as the 2015 deadline approaches.

Fatima Rodrigo

Shobha presents stories of Dalits in South India

Varusandu is situated in the State of Tamilnadu, South India. This area consists of 120 villages.The Presentation sisters began their ministry  in 1990 in Varuasanadu to provide health care services;

The Presentation hospital in Theni District Headquarters, witnessed many young women  reaching the hospital for child birth  at a critical stage after being handled by untrained village Dhais (midwives). Due to lack of proper management, there were a number of maternal and infant deaths in Varusanadu.There were no hospitals or primary health care centres within the vicinity of a few kilometers.

Responding to this need, the sisters reached out to this remote area, having  no transport facilities or any other basic infrastructure. The Presentation sisters lived in a small house among the people, rendering primary health care services. Many patients visited the centre from surrounding villages. We  crossed rivers and climbed mountains to reach these villages. Ninety per cent of the people did not know to read or write. Since there was no school nearby, many of the children did not go to school. Majority of the people in this area were Dalits who  were economically very poor and socially discriminated.

Besides health care services, we formed groups of women, men and youth to  conduct non formal education. We enabled them to avail government schemes allotted specifically for Dalits.

After twenty years I am very happy to see the growth among our people. In around 40 villages, we  formed women’s Self Help groups to facilitate micro credit programme. Children were sent to different towns to stay in hostels to have access to schools. Women learned to read and write through various training programme and capacity building.

Today they are so empowered that they are able to demand their rights and exercise their responsibilities; Their leadership skills enables them to face the government officials and have a dialogue with them re the government’s programme for Dalits. The Micro finance programme has liberated women from economic dependency to a certain extent.

Shobha D’Sami PBVM
(Excerpt from the presentation to the NGOs at the UN.)

Welcome Anne, Joan Marie Brandner and Pegge Boehm!

It was great having the three Presentations visiting the IPA office in New York and having a guided tour at the UN on 8th October 2010. Anne from Dubuque, Joan and Pegge from Aberdeen were in New York for a meeting of the Formation Personnel. During their visit to the IPA office, they initiated a discussion on ‘PBVM Formees in the US having a UN experience’ sometime next year; highlights of the discussions and suggestions by us including Teresa Kennedy PBVM and Shobha D’Sami PBVM are as follows:

• It would be great to have the initiation into IPA and its mission during the initial formation and have an experience of the UN system;
• The Formees as a group could participate in any of the following two-week sessions of the Economic and Social Council on
o Social Development- 9-18 February 2011 on Poverty Eradication http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/csocd/2011.html
o Status of Women and Girls- 22 February – 4 March 2011 on “Access and participation of women and girls to education, training, science and technology, including for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work” http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/55sess.htm
o Sustainable Development- 2-13 May, 2011-Policy session on Sustainable consumption and production, Mining, Chemicals, Transport, Waste Management- http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/csd/csd_csd19.shtml
o Indigenous Peoples Forum – 16-27 May, 2011 on Indigenous Issues; http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/session_tenth.html
• IPA could get two weeks UN grounds pass for all of them; there is no financial implications to participate in the sessions or to get UN grounds pass.
• During the two week programme, besides following the thematic sessions at the UN, we could also integrate some of the following:
 Orientation on ‘Understanding IPA’
 Orientation on UN system
 Panel discussion with the Religious of the UN
 Address by one of the UN staff from United Nations Environment Programme/ any other UN Staff
 A guided tour of the UN
 Presentation ministry with the homeless in NY
 Three-hour Circle line boat ride – free of cost for the Nuns!
 There could be an event organized for the NGOs of the UN by Anne PBVM, who is a resource person on Eco Spirituality
• There was a consensus built around the Formees taking part in the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), since the PBVM in the US are engaged in the issues related to CSD.
• To contact the leaders of IPA and the Conference of Presentations and have a dialogue on the above matter.
• To introduce this dialogue during the event that is taking place in the Philippines for Presentation Formation Personnel.

Fatima Rodrigo