Emergency Petition for Ceasefire

Dear friends,

The Gaza crisis has exploded -- put your name to our emergency petition demanding a ceasefire. We'll deliver it immediately to the UN Security Council, the Arab League, the US and other world leaders!
Take Action Now
As we watch the Gaza bloodshed with horror, appalled at how the crisis is spiraling further out of control, one thing is clear -- this violence will only lead to further civilian suffering and an escalation of the conflict.

There must be another way. Over 280 are dead so far in the Gaza Strip and hundreds more injured -- rockets are striking Ashdod deep inside Israel for the very first time, and the sides are mobilising for invasion. A global outcry has begun, but it'll take more than words -- the immediate violence won't end, nor will wider peace be secured, without firm action from the international community.

Today, we're launching an emergency campaign which will be delivered to the UN Security Council and key world powers, urging them to act to ensure an immediate ceasefire and address the growing humanitarian crisis -- only with robust international oversight and action can civilians on all sides be protected and real steps be taken toward a wider peace. Follow this link now to sign the emergency petition and send it to everyone you know:

Click here to go to petition

After Gaza's bloodiest day in recent memory and eight or more years of ineffective US and global diplomacy, we need to get world leaders to do more than issue statements if they're to ensure a lasting ceasefire.1 Through the UN Security Council and other international bodies, the world can provide the help and pressure needed to stop the violence and change the situation on the ground in Gaza -- preventing the rockets and incursions, re-opening crossing-points under international oversight so that instead of weapon-smuggling, the 1.5 million ordinary people of Gaza can get the fuel, food and medicines they so desperately need.

All sides to the conflict will continue to act as they have in the past if they believe that the world will stand by and allow them to do so. We mobilised for a ceasefire in 2006's Israel-Lebanon war and succeeded, but this time the international community must not delay -- let's raise a truly worldwide outcry. 2009 is a year that things can be different. As we face this crisis, and the possibilities of a new year, it's time for us everywhere to work together to stop this violence.

With hope and determination,

Brett, Ricken, Alice, Ben, Pascal, Paul, Graziela, Paula, Luis, Iain and the whole Avaaz team


1 Further actions could include: a formal resolution from the Security Council rather than issuing a press statement as was done on 28 December 2008; explicit private and public international pressure on the parties to end the hostilities including developing clear terms for the resumption of negotiations; proper international oversight of the Rafah border; and in time, a detailed Security Council resolution setting out the terms in international law for a permanent peace between Israel and Palestine. For background, see this Jerusalem Post article, "No international pressure to end op"

----------------------------

ABOUT AVAAZ Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Buenos Aires, and Geneva.

I've been thinking a lot about courage.

A message from Howard Zinn, Jewish Voice for Peace .

This message was sent to Abe Quadan Peacefriends

I've been thinking a lot about courage.

Right now, while I'm snug and fed this Thanksgiving holiday in the comfort of my home, halfway around the world a group of teenagers is sitting in a jail cell today, demonstrating the very definition of courage and sacrifice. It's frustrating. Humbling. And I'm damn glad to have the chance to do something big about it.

Send a letter to the
Israeli Minister of Defense now.

I am Raz Bar-David Varon.
I am one of the Shministim.
I need your help.

See that fresh-faced, bold young woman on the right? Her name is Raz Bar-David Varon. She's an 18-year-old Israeli who just graduated from 12th grade. And as I write this, she's sitting in jail in Tel Aviv because she refuses to join the Israeli army.
In my day we called them the "refuseniks" and here in the U.S. they're "conscientious objectors." In Israel, they're still in high school and they are the Shministim. Get used to that word because I'm going to ask you to know it, to say it, to use it. You see, Raz Bar-David Varon and another dozen or so Shministim have asked Jewish Voice for Peace for our help and this is one request we can't refuse.
The Shministim - all about ages 17, 18, 19 and in the 12th grade - are taking a stand. They believe in a better, more peaceful future for themselves and for Israelis and Palestinians, and they are refusing to join the Israeli army. They're in jail, holding strong against immense pressure from family, friends and the Israeli government. They need our support and they need it today.
They have asked people like us to let the Israeli government know we are watching, and that we support their courage. They're hoping to receive hundreds of thousands of postcards to be delivered to the Israeli Minister of Defense on December 18th, when they will hold a huge rally and press conference. They're hoping to stand strong on the steps of this majestic building - and on the steps of history - representing not only the thousands of refusers who came before them, not only the many young people to whom they are an example of a better world, but also to represent us. They have asked you, me, and every person who strives for peace to be on those steps with them, on that day. I will be there. See:

Will you join me? It's simple. Sign a letter now. And don't stop there - ask your loved ones to join you. During this week of giving thanks, signing a letter is the least we can do to give thanks for the courageous among us.
Raz is a Shministit. Raz is Courage. And with our support of her today, you and I are Shministim too.
Thank you - and go sign that letter.

Howard Zinn

Asylum Seeker Documentary Provokes

Media Release

“Australians urgently need to encourage the Government to
continue with immigration reforms” ERC's Glendenning
Sydney, Thursday 20th November 2008

Edmund Rice Centre director, Phil Glendenning today called for Australians to make known to the Federal
Government, their support for the process of reform of the Howard Government's immigration regime and it's inhuman treatment of asylum seekers.
Mr Glendenning was responding this afternoon to enquiries to the Edmund Rice Centre following last-night's national screening on SBS-TV of the documentary A Well-Founded Fear.
"Centre staff have today taken literally hundreds of phone calls, emails and web responses from members of the public calling for justice to be afforded to the refugees and rejected asylum seekers who were deported to danger". he said.
"We're getting some calls just asking what they can do to help - and others are calling because they really need to vent their outrage at how our nation has treated these people." he added.
The documentary portrays the human stories behind the research work the Centre has conducted following up on Australia's treatment of rejected asylum seekers.
"Over the past six years, Centre staff have conducted interviews in 22 countries - making contact with over 250 rejected
asylum seekers." Mr Glendenning stated.
"We have published the formal reports - Deported to Danger I & II - but even though this hard data has been available for some time, too often it is not until you have seen the faces and heard the stories that you can really understand the
human impact that these Howard government policies had on the real lives of real people! This is what came through in the documentary and this is why our phone lines and website are so overwhelmed today!"
"Such a strong response is an indication of the emerging movement towards a more decent and humane approach in our treatment of refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable people.”Mr Glendenning said.
Responding to the calls for action Mr Glendenning said: “There are three ways people can help. The first and simplest
thing is to sign the online petition on the Edmund Rice Centre's website www.erc.org.au ."
"Secondly, you need to write to your Federal MP and to Senator Evans, calling for an urgent reopening of the cases of
the asylum seekers removed to danger from Nauru. Australians urgently need to encourage the Government to continue
with immigration reforms.”
"Finally, this work is desperately difficult to resource and yet urgently needs to continue. If you are able to support this
work, please donate via the Edmund Rice Centre website www.erc.org.au/donate or mail a cheque to the Centre."
[Ed: see address below!]
"Any and all donations will ensure that this process of identifying, naming and advocating for those removed to danger will continue."
"Quite frankly, we need your help and we need it now." he concluded.

For further information, or to arrange an interview contact:-
Phil Glendenning,
Director, Edmund Rice Centre
Phone: (02) 8762 4200
Mobile: 0419 013 758
PO Box 2219
Homebush West, NSW 2140

Clean up own backyard says Pat Dodson

Tony Stephens

The Age, November 5, 2008

AUSTRALIA was trying to strut the international stage, talking about improving the world, when problems needed fixing in our backyard, Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson said yesterday.

Australia risked being condemned as a pariah nation unless it ratified the UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights, passed last year, he said.

"We don't come to the table with clean hands," he said. "We behave schizophrenically. Internationally, we present a front about Australia as a tolerant nation, about mateship and the land of the fair go. But domestically we don't acknowledge that we are swimming in a backwater because we haven't advanced our social discourse on change."

Mr Dodson was speaking before his delivery tonight of the Sydney Peace Prize Lecture and his receipt of the 2008 prize tomorrow night from the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

He said the nation would lose absolutely if the riches of one of the world's oldest living cultures were squandered, abused or simply denied.

"We have had opportunities to address this: Mabo, Wik, the report of the stolen generations, the royal commission into deaths in custody, the reconciliation process itself, the national apology in Canberra. But we keep dropping the ball."

Of government intervention in indigenous communities, he asked: "Do you want the army, police or bureaucrats taking control of people's lives, or to work out a way that involves Aboriginal leadership, who could then collaborate with everything else?"

The problems in remote Australia were a failure of the federal system of government: "In the Kimberley, we are controlled by people in Perth and Canberra." Investment should be in the human capital of health, education and cultural values rather than controlling mechanisms.

Mr Dodson is co-convenor, with former West Australian governor John Sanderson, of The Australian Dialogue, which aims to move on from the apology. Governor-General Quentin Bryce gave her support last week.

Pat Dodson was seen as the father of reconciliation before the 1997 Reconciliation Convention, when then prime minister John Howard took water from Aboriginal elders to his lips.

However, he fell out with the Howard government and then focused his efforts in the Kimberley. Now he expects to return to more prominence.

"We seem to be stuck in a mentality of interventionism that has a poor view of who the indigenous people are," he said.

"We need to look towards the substantial contribution Aboriginal Australians can make and have made towards this nation."

The difference between Australia in 1997 and now, he said, was that an introspective nation now realised it was more closely linked to the rest of the world, through globalisation, climate change and economic problems.

He conceded that reconciliation needed to take place within Aboriginal communities — Warren Mundine criticised him last week as outdated — as well as with non-indigenous Australians.

South Africa could have blown itself apart if Nelson Mandela and other leaders had not risen above their prejudices to create a new republic, he said.

Movement to Ban Cluster Bombs Gains Momentum

Lisa Schlein

November 4, 2008 by Voice of America

Activists are urging governments to sign an international treaty to ban the use, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs one month from now in Oslo. The Cluster Munition Coalition says global momentum is growing to put an end to these weapons, which the group says mainly maim and kill civilians. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.



Cbu97 Cluster Bomb


A Group of Governmental Experts is meeting at the United Nations to negotiate a treaty on cluster munitions. The agreement aims at striking, what it calls, a balance between military and humanitarian considerations.

The Cluster Munition Coalition calls the process flawed. It says the draft text being discussed will do nothing to stop the death and destruction from cluster bombs. It says the text proposes a 13 to 20-year transition period in which States would be able to continue to use, produce, stock pile and trade these weapons.

On the other hand, Coordinator of the Coalition, Thomas Nash, says the Oslo treaty offers a holistic solution because it will ban an entire category of weaponry before it gets out of control.

"It has been largely preventive in nature," he said. "Unlike the landmine problem, which spread to around 80, 90 countries before an international treaty was agreed to prohibit that weapon. So far, cluster munitions have only affected-I say only, it is already too much of a problem, but, only around 32 States or territories have been affected. So, in many ways, we are acting before the problem gets to the scale of landmines. Far too many people have been killed or injured by this weapon. "

The Coalition says about 76 countries have stockpiled cluster bombs. It says it is the billions of sub-munitions contained within these weapons that create all the damage. It says the U.S., with nearly one billion sub-munitions, possesses the biggest arsenal in the world.

It says 34 countries produce cluster bombs. The biggest producers are the United States, Russia and China. Others include Britain, Germany, France, Israel and Brazil. It says the number of victims is unknown, but may be in the hundreds of thousands.

About 100 countries are expected to sign the Oslo Treaty next month. The U.S., Russia and China are major holdouts. Co-Chair of the Coalition, Steve Goose, agrees this is problematic. But, says it will not lessen the impact of the agreement.

"We believe in the power of the stigma against the weapon," said Steve Goose. "We have seen this very clearly with anti-personnel landmines. That same litany of States that we just ran through-U.S., Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Israel-none of those States are part of the landmine treaty either 10 years later. And, yet, we see that the stigma of the weapon has had a very powerful deterrent affect on those States."

Goose says the United States has not used, produced and traded in landmines since the treaty was signed. And, it has destroyed millions of its stockpiles.

He says almost none of the 39 countries that did not join the agreement have used this weapon. He says Burma was the only State that used landmines in any significant way last year.

He says even those States that stay outside the treaty have to bend to the new standard of behavior that is being established internationally.

Claims of child abuse are proving a fertile pretext to menace the Aboriginal communities lying in the way of uranium mining

John Pilger

The Guardian, Friday October 24 2008

Its banks secured in the warmth of the southern spring, Australia is not news. It ought to be. An epic scandal of racism, injustice and brutality is being covered up in the manner of apartheid South Africa. Many Australians conspire in this silence, wishing never to reflect upon the truth about their society's Untermenschen, the Aboriginal people.

The facts are not in dispute: thousands of black Australians never reach the age of 40; an entirely preventable disease, trachoma, blinds black children as epidemics of rheumatic fever ravage their communities; suicide among the despairing young is common. No other developed country has such a record. A pervasive white myth, that Aborigines leech off the state, serves to conceal the disgrace that money the federal government says it spends on indigenous affairs actually goes towards opposing native land rights. In 2006, some A$3bn was underspent "or the result of creative accounting", reported the Sydney Morning Herald. Like the children of apartheid, the Aboriginal children of Thamarrurr in the Northern Territory receive less than half the educational resources allotted to white children.

In 2005, the UN committee on the elimination of racial discrimination described the racism of the Australian state, a distinction afforded no other developed country. This was in the decade-long rule of the conservative coalition of John Howard, whose coterie of white supremacist academics and journalists assaulted the truth of recorded genocide in Australia, especially the horrific separations of Aboriginal children from their families. They deployed arguments not dissimilar to those David Irving used to promote Holocaust denial.

Smear by media as a precursor to the latest round of repression is long familiar to black Australians. In 2006, the flagship current affairs programme of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Lateline, broadcast lurid allegations of "sex slavery" among the Mutitjulu people in the Northern Territory. The programme's source, described as an "anonymous youth worker", was later exposed as a federal government official whose "evidence" was discredited by the Northern Territory chief minister and the police.

The ABC has never retracted its allegations, claiming it has been "exonerated by an internal inquiry". Shortly before last year's election, Howard declared a "national emergency" and sent the army to the Northern Territory to "protect the children" who, said his minister for indigenous affairs, were being abused in "unthinkable numbers".

Last February, with much sentimental fanfare, the new prime minister, Labor's Kevin Rudd, made a formal apology to the first Australians. Australia was said to be finally coming to terms with its rapacious past and present. Was it? "The Rudd government," noted a Sydney Morning Herald editorial, "has moved quickly to clear away this piece of political wreckage in a way that responds to some of its own supporters' emotional needs, yet it changes nothing. It is a shrewd manoeuvre."

In May, barely reported government statistics revealed that of the 7,433 Aboriginal children examined by doctors as part of the "national emergency", 39 had been referred to the authorities for suspected abuse. Of those, a maximum of just four possible cases of abuse were identified. Such were the "unthinkable numbers". They were little different from those of child abuse in white Australia. What was different was that no soldiers invaded the beachside suburbs, no white parents were swept aside, no white welfare was "quarantined". Marion Scrymgour, an Aboriginal minister in the Northern Territory, said: "To see decent, caring [Aboriginal] fathers, uncles, brothers and grandfathers, who are undoubtedly innocent of the horrific charges being bandied about, reduced to helplessness and tears, speaks to me of widespread social damage."

What the doctors found they already knew - children at risk from a spectrum of extreme poverty and the denial of resources in one of the world's richest countries. Having let a few crumbs fall, Rudd is picking up where Howard left off. His indigenous affairs minister, Jenny Macklin, has threatened to withdraw government support from remote communities that are "economically unviable". The Northern Territory is the only region where Aborigines have comprehensive land rights, granted almost by accident 30 years ago. Here lie some of the world's biggest uranium deposits. Canberra wants to mine and sell it.

Foreign governments, especially the US, want the Northern Territory as a toxic dump. The Adelaide to Darwin railway that runs adjacent to Olympic Dam, the world's largest uranium mine, was built with the help of Kellogg, Brown & Root - a subsidiary of American giant Halliburton, the alma mater of Dick Cheney, Howard's "mate". "The land grab of Aboriginal tribal land has nothing to do with child sexual abuse," says the Australian scientist Helen Caldicott, "but all to do with open slather uranium mining and converting the Northern Territory to a global nuclear dump."

What is unique about Australia is not its sun-baked, derivative society, clinging to the sea, but its first people, the oldest on earth, whose skill and courage in surviving invasion, of which the current onslaught is merely the latest, deserve humanity's support.

www.johnpilger.com

Soliders ask fundamental question: To kill or not to kill

Reviewed by CLAIRE SCHAEFFER-DUFFY
Published:
October 21, 2008

Director Catherine Ryan in Hinesville, Ga., the day after the court martial of conscientious objector, Kevin Benderman. (Photo by Gary Weimberg)Director Catherine Ryan in Hinesville, Ga., the day after the court martial of conscientious objector, Kevin Benderman. (Photo by Gary Weimberg)A review

“Soldiers of Conscience,” the latest documentary by husband and wife filmmakers Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan, looks at how individual combatants grapple with war’s fundamental question — to kill or not to kill. Made in cooperation with the U.S. Army, the film profiles eight American soldiers, four who become conscientious objectors and four who believe in the duty to kill when necessary. All wrestle with the morality of killing, not as an abstraction but as soldiers experience it. Interspersed with the soldier’s narratives are images of casualties from the Iraq war not seen on our nightly news and some intriguing background on conscientious objection.

The film’s focus makes “Soldiers of Conscience” accessible to pacifists and warriors alike. The soldiers’ candid and deeply personal reflections remind us that in war human beings make choices they must live with the rest of their lives.

Early in the film, we learn a little-known stat from a U.S. Army study conducted during World War II: Less than 25 percent of US soldiers fired on their enemies, even when under attack. To overcome this inhibition toward the taking of human life, the military developed a technique known as “reflexive fire training.” Disturbing footage of combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, provides a glimpse of what this conditioning entails. Fresh-faced recruits gun down tin silhouettes of humans and shout “Kill! Kill! Kill without mercy!” While such “training” has dramatically increased soldiers’ firing rates in combat (upwards to 90 percent in Vietnam), it has not freed them from the burden of conscience, as evidenced in the revealing reflections of the eight men featured in the film.
Watch the trailer

Two of the conscientious objectors, Joshua Casteel, an Evangelical Christian, and Aidan Delgado, a Buddhist, are given honorable discharges for their refusal to kill. But the military imprisons Camilo Mejia, the first Iraq combat veteran to publicly refuse to return to war, and Kevin Benderman, a 10-year Army sergeant from Tennessee. All four eloquently describe their transformation from willing enlistee to refusenik. Delgado encounters Iraqi prisoners of war, who look just like the men in his own unit “but with brown skin,” and the fighting spirit “bleeds” out of him. The war’s devastating affects on civilians, leads Benderman to ask, “Why are we even doing this anymore?”

The awful but necessary choice of war can be a moral imperative when the weak need protecting and human rights are violated, argues Major Peter Kilner, a West Point ethics professor and former 82nd Airborne Infantry Commander. For drill sergeant Jaime Isom, pulling the trigger in battle has little to do with God or country; it’s about “defending the man to the left and right of you.” Isom admits to killing a 10-year Iraqi boy who held a grenade that would have killed his men. “I got no regrets,” he says, “but looking back at it, that’s when the demons come back. That’s when it haunts us.”

The candor of these soldiers evokes questions that haunt us. What are we asking of those ordered to kill on our behalf?

The film’s thoughtful interest in the soldier’s perspective is resonating with people who differ on the morality of war. The documentary, which airs on PBS stations this week, has been circulating among churches, peace groups, and VA Hospitals where clinicians are showing excerpts to soldiers struggling with combat trauma. In November, the film will screen at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. In January, it will be shown at a major conference for chaplains in the armed forces.

Claire Schaeffer-Duffy lives in Worcester, Mass. and writes frequently for National Catholic Reporter. US

World Day of Fasting for Peace and Independence of Nourishment - Water for Peace

Call for a Solidarity Fasting on 18 October 2008

Message from Pastoral Land Commission, CPT, member organisation of Pax Christi International in Brazil
We are calling upon you to join us on a worldwide day of fasting for peace and independence from nourishment in defence of free access to water and healthy food as a human right and in support of local, family farmers.
At the end of 2007 the Franciscan bishop Dom Luiz Cappio protested with fasting and praying for 24 days against the water diversion project of the Rio Sao Francesco. This was his means of supporting the preservation of the natural resources of this semi arid region and a proper revitalisation of the Rio Sao Francesco.

Pax Christi International awards Dom Cappio and all those who fought with him the Pax Christi International Peace Award 2008. The awarding of the prize is going to take place together with the fifth Water Pilgrimage (Romaria das Aguas) in Sobradinho, Bahia on 18 October 2008. Numerous organisations and thousands of people are expected to come to the event "Water for Peace".
During the World Nourishing Week the social movements of the Rio Sao Francesco region and of the northeast, the Via Campesina Brasilia and Pax Christi International are going to carry out a worldwide day of fasting for peace and independence from nourishment. These activities are part of the campaign of Via Campesina against genetically manipulated plants and continue the movement of solidarity fasting that developed from the solidarity with Dom Cappio. Hundreds of people worldwide fasted for one or more days during the hunger strike of the bishop. Their action was a demonstration for a world of justice. This movement combines political aims and spirituality and is to be seen in the tradition of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the non-violence of many others which was founded by Jesus Christ himself.
We want to use this gesture to draw attention to the severe and growing conflicts about water. This issue affects one third of the world population, as does the growing control that some transnational companies are exhibiting over land, production of, and access to, food.
The abundance and extravagance of the rich coincide with a growing endangerment of the population by pesticides and genetically manipulated foods. At the same time the number of those who do not have regular access to enough quality food is constantly rising.
The world day for peace and independence of nourishment supports the immediate necessity for an agricultural reform to give more families the opportunity to produce their own food. This reform has to make the production and consumption of healthy and ecologically produced food possible. Every people and every region have to have the right to produce and to consume their own food without being suppressed by global players like Syngenta, Monsanto, Bunge, ADM, Cargill, Dupont, Bayer and BASF. These companies are striving to control the water resources, the agricultural land, the biological and agricultural diversities, biotechnology and the global business with food. Their main asset is the development of genetically manipulated seeds which is made possible because the governments neglect their caretaking principles.
This gesture strengthens the necessity of recognising the access to water as a human right and as a universal right of creation. It explicitly opposes the diversion project of the water of the dying Rio Sao Francesco, which supports the production of fruit meant for export, of bio-fuel, of shrimps and steel by 70%.
The infrastructural mega-projects of the growth speeding programme have to be reconsidered in favour of another development programme that does not only take the need of the whole population into consideration, but looks especially at the needs of the poor, and which at the same time includes the challenge of the ecological crisis. Hundreds of fundamental organisations in the semi arid regions are already working accordingly on methods of water capacities and water usage. One example out of many is the Atlas Nordeste of the ANA (Agencia Nacional de Aguas) proposal to decentralise water supplies. These are much less expensive and much more expansive in their social and local responsibilities than the apparent "solution" of the diversion of the Rio Sao Francesco waters. The life and production model is supported by the simple people who live and know about the real needs of the population of the region and their independent organisations.
Until today the following organisations, that will participate on the Global Day of Peace and Independence of Nourishment" have signed the Manifest "Water for Peace" (as of 13-10-2008) Pax Christi International, Misereor (Germany), Via Campesina Brasil (MST, MPA, MAB, MMC, FEAB, CPT, PJR), CPP, PACS, CESE, CARITAS, Forum Permanente em Defesa do Rio Sao Francisco, SERPAJ-Brasil e America Latina, International Free Water Academy.
Please tell CPT if your organisation wants to sign this manifest and who wants to participate in the fasting. E-mail cptba@cptba.org.br - or tel. (0055)71.8714-5724; 71.9208-6548 -- Ruben; 31.9997-2440 -- Erica) or Via Campesina / Nordeste (e-mail viacampesinape@gmail.com or tel 81-3222-7569 81-9164-9758 -- Paula) this is important to enable us to publish the participants!
Brussels, 17 October 2008
2008-0760-en-am-HS

19 October - The 7th International Interreligious Abraham Conference

Affinity Intercultural Foundation welcomes you to attend:

Date: Sunday, 19th of October 2008

Time: 11am to 3:30pm

Location: Webster Theatre, University of Sydney, City Road Camperdown.

Cost: $20 (Includes Lunch and Afternoon Tea)

Keynote Address: Prof Larissa Behrendt, Prof of Law & Director of Research
at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of
Technology, Sydney

Panel Chair: Mr Richard Morecroft, former ABC TV News anchorman

Theme: Walking together: Our faiths and reconciliation.

The Australian Government has recently declared an apology to the "stolen generation" of Aboriginal Australians on behalf of Australia. Yet even after this landmark event, much still needs to be done. Delicate and careful considerations are needed from all parties. A robust and accommodating approach to reconciliation must be taken if we are to share this land. The Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam need to listen to handwork together with indigenous voices to recognise injustice and to explore common traditions of offering forgiveness and moving forward in a new direction. The Abraham Conference provides a practical way forward for people of all faiths and backgrounds to become aware of our responsibilities
and thus work towards reconciliation.



For further information please click on below link:

http://www.affinity.org.au/7IIAC%20-%20Abraham%20Conf%20Program%20v2.pdf

Pacific Calling for Climate Justice

The Pacific Calling Partnership invites you to a participatory forum Pacific Calling for Climate Justice a human rights framework?

9.00am - 5pm Saturday 25 October 2008
Gleeson Auditorium Australian Catholic University
25A Barker Rd Strathfield NSW
Forum

The forum will open with Indigenous representatives from Australia and the Pacific speaking about the effects of climate change on their people. The forum will then explore how an effective human rights framework can respond to calls for climate justice from our neighbours:

* WHAT STRUCTURES ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INTERNATIONALLY THAT CAN BE APPLIED IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD?
* WHERE ARE THE GAPS?
* WHERE ARE THE STRESSES EMERGING?
* WHAT STRUCTURES DO WE NEED TO PUT IN PLACE FOR THE FUTURE?

The forum will be participatory and is open to as broad a range of organisations as possible. All who come will be contributing to the outcomes which will include recommendations to be taken to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Poland in December 2008.

Call for Papers and Abstracts
If you would like to present at the forum please send the title and a brief description of about 200 words by email to jillf@erc.org.au, or post Attention: Jill Finnane PO Box 2219 Homebush West LPO NSW 2140, or fax to 02 9745 9770

The DEADLINE for receiving abstracts is 31 August. Papers will be 20 minutes in length. You will be notified by 7 September, by email or phone if your proposal is accepted.

Registration
Fee (includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea) (will depend on how much sponsorship we receive) Business/Government, NGO, Concession, Student

Early bird registration must be received by Monday 1 October 2008 to be eligible for the discount. Cheques should be made payable to the Edmund Rice Centre and posted to the above address.
ABN 4063781303

Dear friends,
Next week, a group of small islands' leaders plan to take the unprecedented step of putting a resolution before the United Nations calling upon the Security Counci to address climate change as a pressing threat to international peace and security.

It seems a small ask for all of us to sign the petition organised by Avaaz. Please consider signing the petition now! Click here

Signatures will be presented to the UN by the islands' ambassadors as they introduce their resolution next week. States who are sponsoring the resolution are Fiji, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, joined by Canada and Turkey.

President Remengesau of Palau, a small island in the Pacific, recently said: 'Palau has lost at least one third of its coral reefs due to climate change related weather patterns. We also lost most of our agricultural production due to drought and extreme high tides. These are not theoretical, scientific losses -- they are the losses of our resources and our livelihoods.... For island states, time is not running out. It has run out. And our path may very well be the window to your own future and the future of our planet".

The more signatures are delivered to the UN next week, the more urgently this call will ring out to protect our common future. So please sign now: For a draft of the Small Islands States Resolution, please click here

You might also consider sending an email to the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Affairs, Duncan Kerr, asking for Australia to support their resolution. This is one of the issues the delegation from the Pacific Calling Partnership will take up with him when it meets with him on 15th September so it would be helpful for you to have written to him from your organisation or as an indivdual before we meet. His email address is duncan.kerr.mp@aph.gov.au.

Thank you for your support
Jill Finnane
Pacific Calling Partnership
Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education
Flemington

ZIMBABWE CRISIS

Dear friends,

This Saturday, thousands of trade unionists and citizen groups will march on a Southern Africa leadership summit, waving red cards to signal that Mugabe must go. Stand with the marchers and the people of Zimbabwe -- send a red card now!

CLICK HERE TO SEND A RED CARD


Hopes are slipping away for a deal to resolve Zimbabwe's political crisis. Yesterday, Robert Mugabe announced plans to ignore the ongoing negotiations with the opposition MDC party, form a sham "Government of National Unity" with a breakaway opposition faction, and open parliament next week.

This weekend, when Southern Africa's 15 leaders, including Mugabe, meet at a major summit in Johannesburg, they will look out upon a sea of red. Thousands of Southern African trade unionists and other citizens will march to the summit waving red cards -- the football penalty symbol for expulsion -- and call for Mugabe to go. The organisers have appealed to Avaaz for international support, and will carry signs at the march representing the "red cards" sent by Avaaz members.

The region's powerful trade unions have threatened that unless Southern African leaders take action now, they will refuse to handle goods coming to or from Zimbabwe and will squeeze Mugabe out. A massive march this weekend backed by 100,000 supporters from around the world will be a overwhelming signal to Southern African leaders that they must act now before the crisis becomes even more desperate -- to announce that the Mbeki-led negotiations have failed, and to launch a new and fairer negotiating process immediately. Click below to send a red card, and pass this message along to friends and family!

Four and a half months have passed since the people of Zimbabwe voted for Morgan Tsvangirai and the Movement for Democratic Change on 29 March. Hyperinflation has exploded to an unimaginable 40,000,000%, and millions now face starvation. The EU, US, and UK have pledged a $1.9bn financial aid package to stabilise Zimbabwe's economy, feed the hungry and combat hyperinflation -- but only if Mugabe is removed.

Meanwhile, distribution of food aid by local and international humanitarian agencies has been prohibited by Mugabe's government. Torture camps remain in operation, political violence continues in some rural provinces, and 12 opposition MPs languish in jail on trumped-up charges. The Mbeki-led talks are collapsing, as Mugabe and his military high command insist on retaining control.

The people of Zimbabwe need strong allies willing to take bold action. Already, more than 300,000 Avaaz members -- including tens of thousands in Africa -- have signed petitions, donated funds, and written to their leaders in global campaigns for democracy and justice. After Avaaz flew a 280-square-metre banner over an Mbeki-chaired United Nations meeting, South Africa finally called for the release of elections results. In April, trade unions and civil society groups including Avaaz led a successful campaign to block a Chinese arms shipment to Zimbabwe. Now, as the crisis accelerates, our voices matter more than ever -- we can send an electronic wave of red cards to Johannesburg and bolster the efforts of on-the-ground advocates pressing for change.

Join the global outcry now, and then pass this message along!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/red_card_for_mugabe

With hope,

Ben, Alice, Ricken, Brett, Paul, Iain, Pascal, Graziela, Veronique, and Milena -- the Avaaz.org team

PS: For a report on Avaaz's campaigning so far.

PSS: Here are links to sources for this alert:

"Zimbabwe: Mugabe set to keep power amid rumours of breakaway deal" - The Guardian, 14 August 2008
http://

Information on the march - COSATU / SW Radio Africa


"South Africa: Unions Bid to Halt Zimbabwe Arms Ship" - Business Day (Johannesburg), 22 April 2008


"No arms for Zimbabwe" - Avaaz campaign

Patrick Dodson wins 2008 Sydney Peace Prize

2008 Sydney Peace Prize Winner


“The nearest Australia has to a Nelson Mandela”

Mr Patrick Dodson has been awarded the 2008 Sydney Peace Prize for his ‘courageous advocacy of the human rights of Indigenous people, for distinguished leadership of the reconciliation movement and for a lifetime of commitment to peace with justice, through dialogue and many other expressions on non violence’.

Chair of the Sydney Peace Foundation Alan Cameron says, “It is significant that the Peace Prize jury’s choice of Patrick Dodson can build on the momentum for justice and reconciliation for Indigenous people which was given such a boost by Sorry Day on February 13th.”

Peace Foundation Director Professor Stuart Rees comments, “The jury was impressed with Patrick’s work for reconciliation internationally – in Northern Ireland and in South Africa – as well as by his creative leadership of the Lingiari Foundation and as inaugural chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. In the history of this Peace Prize, Patrick is only the second Australian recipient. In 2001, former Governor General Sir William Deane was recognized for his work with Aboriginal Australians and on that occasion he was presented with the Prize by the Reconciliation chair, Patrick Dodson.”

Commenting on news of this year’s choice of the Sydney Peace Prize, the Director of the Edmund Rice Centre, Phil Glendenning, says “This is a wonderful choice. Patrick is a great communicator, a significant leader, the nearest Australia has to a Nelson Mandela.”

Speaking from Broome, Mr. Dodson has responded, “I would be very honoured to receive the Sydney Peace Prize. I thank the jury for considering me and my work worthy of such recognition.”
Other distinguished recipients of Australia’s only international prize for peace have included previous Nobel winners Professor Muhammad Yunus and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, Indian author and human rights campaigner Arundhati Roy and, last year, the Swedish diplomat and disarmament advocate Dr. Hans Blix.

Patrick Dodson will give the City of Sydney Peace Prize Lecture on November 5th in the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House. On November 6th he will receive the 2008 Sydney Peace Prize at a gala ceremony in the Great Hall of Sydney University and on the morning of Friday 7th November he will be the guest of 1500 high school students in a festival of welcome and gratitude hosted by Cabramatta High School.

‘Radical Discipleship, Restorative Justice and Nonviolence Conference’

is being held next weekend July 18-20th at the Uniting Church Centre for Ministry in North Parramatta.

The keynote speakers are biblical scholar, faith, peace and justice advocate Ched Myers and his Wife Elaine Enns. Ched Myers is perhaps best known for his radical discipleship book ‘Binding the Strong Man – A political Reading of Mark’s story of Jesus’ and he is a wonderfully engaging speaker. Elaine specializes in the field of restorative justice and conflict transformation. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear these two overseas speakers in Sydney.

Pace e Bene will be presenting two sessions at this conference.

Please pass this on to your networks and others you think may be interested.

Registration is available online Click here

Solomon Islands Facilitator Co-learning

Pace e Bene Australia From Violence to Wholeness Facilitator Co-Learning programme was held in the Solomon Islands April 7-27th 2008

In partnership with Catholic church Solomon Islands and Caritas
Pace e Bene facilitators Carole Powell [Qld] and Brendan McKeague [WA] presented a series of three Facilatator co-learning workshops.. They have shared their fantastic experiences in a wonderful journal Click here

Open Invitation to our National Gathering

Engaging Nonviolence – Deep listening to the Spirit

Adelaide: November 6th – 9th 2008

An Invitation to join with others and listen to the spirit as we share the journey of ‘exploring nonviolence’ and how it takes shape in our lives. The gathering seeks to bring together people from around the country to network, share experiences and be further equipped for nonviolent life and action. Costs will be kept to a minimum with scope for some part-scholarships.

This is the second such national gathering - the first was at Pallotti College in Millgrove, Victoria in December 2006 - from which Pace e Bene Australia emerged. Click here for further details and registration.

The Pace e Bene AGM will be held in Adelaide on Nov 10th after the Gathering.

PACE E BENE AUSTRALIA NEWS

1.‘Engage - Exploring Nonviolent Living’ STARTING Sat JULY 26TH

….will be offered again this year as four Saturday workshops following the success of last year’s programme.

Combining intellectual and experiential learning this programme helps participants take the next steps on the journey towards living nonviolently.
The dates are 26 July, 16 August, 6 September and 27 September, running from 9am to 4:30pm in Epping.

Full details and registration can be found here

‘Engaging Nonviolence – Deep Listening to the Spirit’

NSW Facilitator Co-learning weekend

We are keen to have more workshop facilitators in NSW and will be offering this programme to any one who might be interested. We have an opportunity for the weekend of Dec 5-7th 2008 and are interested in finding out how many people would be available to participate at this time since it is getting close to Christmas.
Please email or phone Gill Burrows on gill.burrows@madtechnology.net or ph 02 99222927 if you are interested and indicate if you would be available in Dec this year or prefer some other time.

Communication from Gill Burrows

Dear Friends of Pace e Bene

Here is a brief update on Pace e Bene news and a few dates for your diaries: If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.

‘Engage – Exploring nonviolent Living’ will be offered again this year as four Saturday workshops starting on July 26th.

NSW Facilitator Training We have an opportunity to offer this programme over the weekend of Dec 5-7th 2008. Recognising that it is getting close to Christmas I would encourage anyone interested in participating to let me know their availability. We have funding to provide this programme in each state and would like to offer it to as many as possible in NSW. Thanks.

Weapons of War Expo, Adelaide November 11th – 13th 2008
Immediately after the Pace e Bene National Gathering, the city of Adelaide will also be hosting another significant gathering - a weapons Expo commencing on Nov 11th armistice day!!! …. to quote from the SA Premier’s press release:

Asia-Pacific Defence Security Exhibition

11-13 November 2008 Adelaide - Australia

Servicing your business needs!

http://www.eiaa.asn.au/upl_images/APDS%20Documents.pdf

"APDS has been launched for the Defence and Security industries creating a fully integrated, business orientated, and international forum for companies wanting to expand their business within the Asia Pacific. Market analysis clearly indicates that the Asia-Pacific is the significant growth market and yet it is the least represented by quality defence and/or security exhibitions"

Alternatives to Weapons of War, Adelaide Pace e Bene Australia intends to provide an 'alternative nonviolent presence' alongside this weapons marketplace. We are in the early stages of planning what shape this might take in Adelaide and in other parts of the country....what we hope is that there will also be some intentional activities around the country to raise awareness that there are other ways of doing business than by manufacturing and marketing machines that kill and injure people and the planet....we will keep you informed about what emerges - meantime, mark your diary and be creative in discerning how you might contribute to this conscientisation process - either by coming to Adelaide and/or staying on for a few days after the national gathering (I'm reliably informed that there are some interesting areas to visit where delicious grapes grow...) and/or by planning something in your own area/school/parish/community that seeks to provide a gospel-centred counter-witness on November 11-13th this year.



We would love your ideas and feedback together with info on activities planned by other groups. Thanks.

There is also a website campaigning to stop the exhibition: http://www.apdsexhibition.org and you can sign up to receive email updates at the campaign gets underway.
A Google search will provide lots more links if you are interested.

Solomon Islands Facilitator Training Pace e Bene Australia facilitators Brendan McKeague and Carole Powell, in conjunction with Caritas Australia recently completed three very successful From Violence to Wholeness Facilitator training programmes in the Solomon Islands. The local SI people gave Carole and Brendan a wonderful welcome. They participated keenly and really enjoyed their workshop experiences. They are now taking this work forward into their own communities.


Carole and Brendan kept a journal of their amazing journey and it will shortly be available on the PeBA blogsite. I will forward the link once it is available.

2008 REFUGEE THANK-YOU MARCH

2008 Dario Palermo Refugee Art Exhibition
2008 Refugee Humanitarian awards
2008 Refugee Short Film Festival

Thursday JUNE 19th

(2 weeks to go)

You are all formally invited to this years refugee celebrations starting with the Refugee Thank You March.

Refugees thankful for what Australia and Australians have done for them will march along side Australians that are thankful for the contributions that refugees have made to their lives and communities.

We will be carrying blue lanterns through the streets of Sydney, the symbolic United Nations blue which is used throughout the world as a sign of protection and assistance to refugees worldwide.

We encourage everyone to make banners, t-shirts and lanterns with positive messages of thanks to walk around hide park in sydney and then we will conclude at the opening of the 2008 Refugee Art exhibition, Refugee Short Film Festival and Refugee Humanitarian awards.

You can make your own (non flame glow stick) lanterns or Blue lanterns will be able to be purchased from 5:30pm in Hyde park for $10 with all proceeds going towards refugee programs in NSW


EVENT DETAILS


5:30pm -Marches to meet at Hyde Park Sydney Corner of Park St and Elizabeth St.

6:00pm -March commencement

6:30pm - March arrives at Venue

- Refugee art exhibition opening

- Free refugee food dinner

Date: 19th June

Venue: Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney

Time: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Cost: FREE


7:00pm -2008 Refugee humanitarian awards

7:30pm -2008 Refugee short film festival

9:30pm -End of event

For any further information please don’t hesitate to contact me at the detail below.

See you on the 19th June

Gary Taylor

President Friends of STARTTS

(Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors)


www.friendsofstartts.org

Balanced policy the only way to peace

by Malcolm Fraser

The Age
10 May 2008
___________________________________________________

TWO months ago, the Australian Parliament passed a resolution celebrating
Israel's first 60 years. Until recently, Australia had preserved a balance
in Middle East policy that asserted Israel's right to survival and security,
but also the right of the Palestinian people to their own state. Under the
previous government, in lock-step with the US, our policies veered to a more
one-sided support for Israel. The vision of a Palestinian state seemed to
slip from view.

US President George Bush claims that it is possible for Israel and
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to negotiate the establishment of a
Palestinian state before the end of this year. That ignores the realities of
the current situation, which Bush has done a good deal to exacerbate.

It is a fact that Israel has persistently established more and more
settlements on the West Bank and that it has ignored the US and the UN
Security Council, which have continuously branded these settlements,
together with settlements in East Jerusalem, as illegal. However, the US has
not exerted real pressure to stop them and the process continues. Through
most of my life I have believed that Israel was a beacon of hope. But
somewhere Israel's leadership lost its way.

Since the start of the war on terror, US policies have become increasingly
unrealistic, branding people as terrorists to be beaten with guns.

In Bush's world, discussion or negotiation with those who are labelled as
terrorists is unthinkable, and indeed would be a betrayal of American
values. Yet he should recall what earlier US presidents did in negotiating
with leaders of the Soviet Union. Those presidents avoided nuclear war and
won the Cold War. Britain achieved peace in Northern Ireland with similar
policies.

Failure to talk with an opponent or with an enemy is perhaps the major
mistake of the Bush Administration. A mistake that has made many parts of
the world more dangerous. Hamas won a legitimate election in early 2006. Aid
workers on the ground in Palestine knew that Hamas would win because Hamas
helps local people while Fatah, corrupt and inefficient, did not. The West
claimed to be surprised at Hamas' victory. It betrayed its own principles by
making it plain that democracy was only acceptable if it gave the kind of
result that Israel and the US wanted.

It would have been possible to say to Hamas: a number of your policies must
change but we welcome your participation in the democratic process and we
are therefore prepared to talk and explore possible areas of agreement. This
approach would have given Hamas an alternative to violence and the
possibility of a different future.

When a joint Hamas-Fatah government was formed, it was short-lived. Both
Israel and the US sought to undermine it and encouraged Abbas to pursue a
policy that would diminish or destroy Hamas. In this regard, Israel and the
US have played a major part in the continued divisions among the Palestinian
people themselves.

I know there are those who would say that Hamas cannot be believed. No
agreement would be sustainable because it wants the total destruction of
Israel. However, those who hold such views commit themselves in effect to
continued warfare. If this situation prevails, Israel will lose more and
more friends and will place its own future in danger.

Terrorism must, of course, be condemned but if one measures the loss of life
in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is clear that the scales are heavily
balanced against the Palestinians. The tactics used by Hamas are inefficient
as a weapon of war, almost futile, but they have extracted a
disproportionate response.

If there is to be any progress, in addition to talking to Hamas it is
critical to heal the divisions between Hamas and Fatah. No arrangement
between Israel and Abbas will be acceptable unless the divisions among
Palestinian people are addressed. But Israeli and American policy is still
focused on perpetuating those divisions, breeding more hatred and bitterness
and making a secure future even more remote.

Former US president Jimmy Carter has recently held discussions in the Middle
East with many of those with whom Bush will not speak. He has attracted a
great deal of criticism from many quarters, including the Israeli lobby.
However, his efforts are to be applauded because he recognises that talking
to Hamas is essential for progress.

Hamas has supported a ceasefire. But this was rejected out of hand as a
subterfuge for gaining time to reorganise and rearm. Hamas has said that if
Abbas can negotiate a solution and if that is endorsed in a referendum by
the Palestinians, it will support it, provided that there is reconciliation
among Palestinians.

What then should be done? The principles endorsed by the Baker-Hamilton
report in relation to Iraq must be adopted in regard to the Palestinian case
as well. There must be talks leading to negotiations involving all the
players including Hamas. Progress will not be quick, it could be months and
possibly years, but a ceasefire, even initially for a limited period, would
be a good start. The ending of the blockade of Gaza and the cessation of new
settlements in the West Bank would be a prerequisite. In addition, the
adjudication of boundaries of Israel and Palestine would be critical to a
final settlement.

Against this modern-day tragedy, it is important for countries such as
Australia to be even-handed. That is why I support the appeal for the
Australian Parliament to pass a resolution recognising the hardships of the
Palestinian people and committing Australia to work for a fair and peaceful
resolution and the establishment of a viable independent state for
Palestinians.
_____________________________________________________________________
Malcolm Fraser is a former prime minister of Australia.


Web link
http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/balanced-policy-the-only-way-to-peace/2008/05/09/1210131260171.html

New Prospects for Nation Building?hursday, June 26, 2008

So, what? Public lectures in contemporary humanities and social sciences
SO.What@UNSW.EDU.AU
WWW.ARTS.UNSW.EDU.AU
Please join us for the next lecture in the UNSW Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences series.
We are pleased to present Professor Michael Pusey
School of Social Sciences and International Studies

Introduction by Bruce Petty
Has economic ‘reform’ run its course? What potential remains for constructive nation building?
Contrary to expectations Canberra emerges from twenty years of free market ‘economic rationalism’ with disciplined government, ample revenues, an effective regulative apparatus and — perhaps — the capacity for government to steer the economy towards a brighter future. For a quarter of a century neo-liberal politics has made the people serve the economy. Can we recover the political capacity, the clear-sightedness, and the will to again make the economy serve the people? We face three crucial challenges. We must deal with climate change, re-build our rotting infrastructure and
fix federal state relations. Are we up to it? Can our history of nation-building come to the rescue of our future?

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008
Time: Cocktail reception from 6.00 pm
Lecture from 6.30 - 7.30 pm
Location: Tyree Room, John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW
RSVP: so.what@unsw.edu.au (numbers are limited)
Null Doro
After completing his doctoral studies in sociology at Harvard University Michael worked with the Schools Commission and at the Australian National University. Over the last thirty years at UNSW he has taught on social theory, the media and the public sphere, economic ideas, and, most recently on quality of life in Australia. Michael is a Professor of Sociology at UNSW
and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. His writings and media commentary on economic reform and on the changing Australian middle class are extensive, including two highly influential and prize winning books,
Economic Rationalism in Canberra and The Experience of Middle Class Australia.
From 1995 to 2002 Michael was the Director of the Middle Australia Project. Michael is currently working with Paul Jones

Sydney to honour the Stolen Generations

MEDIA RELEASE

Busy weekday traffic will come to a standstill on Monday 26 May 2008 when hundreds of members of the Stolen Generations, their families and supporters march through the streets of Sydney. The City of Sydney and the NSW Police Service have given their full support to this public event, which commemorates the 10th Anniversary of Sorry Day and the historic apology of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The event, which is being organised by the NSW Sorry Day Committee, will commence at 10:30am from Hyde Park (Northern end) and proceed down Macquarie Street. There will be a flag raising ceremony at Parliament House before the march proceeds to Circular Quay and onto First Fleet Park where there will be entertainment, speakers and refreshments.

NSW Sorry Day Committee Chairperson and Stolen Generations member Marie Melito-Russell said:

We hope this march will raise awareness about the issues that continue to affect members of the Stolen Generations. The Prime Minister’s apology was an important step in our healing, but this must be followed with reparations. We want justice and the same basic human rights that apply to others in our society. We invite all those that were affected by the removals policies to join us in solidarity and ask all Australians to walk with us in unity for a better future for all people.


Interviews with members of the Stolen Generations will be available upon request. For further information please contact NSW Sorry Day Committee on 02 9319 1034

1. Week of Action on Peace in Israel & Palestine 4 - 10 June 2008

Two Invitations for Action in Peace

Week of Action on Peace in Israel & Palestine 4 - 10 June 2008

Global Week of Action Small Arms 2 – 9 June 2008


1. Week of Action on Peace in Israel & Palestine 4 - 10 June 2008

The International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel is an annual Week of Action advocacy initiative, convened by the World Council of Churches and supported by Pax Christi International. In 2008, the Week of Action will take place from the 4th to the 10th of June, and the theme is “It’s Time for Palestine.”

The goal of the Week of Action is to raise awareness in churches and civil society, and to impress upon governments the need for new efforts to end the conflict and negotiate a settlement. Four types of actions will be developed: Pray, Educate, Advocate and Public Action. The Ecumenical Service with the Heads of Churches will take place on the 4th or the 8th of June in Jerusalem. Member organisations of Pax Christi International are invited to join the Week of Action and develop their own type of actions in collaboration with churches, church related organisations, religious communities or congregations, and with NGOs at the national and/or local level.

The following material is available and could be used at the national and local level:

1. Invitation to Action: Who, What, Why, How and When?

2. The message “It’s Time for Palestine”

3. The Jerusalem Prayer for Sunday, the 4th or 8th of June 2008

4. A liturgy from the Churches in Jerusalem.


Some of you have been asking what you can do. Please read more for ideas at http://www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/icappi-2008.html.
2. Global Week of Action Small Arms 2 – 9 June 2008


A key focus of IANSA, the International Action Network on Small Arms, of which Pax Christi International is a member, is the next UN Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms (BMS), scheduled to take place in New York, from the 14th to the 18th of July 2008. Countries are expected to provide written reports to the UN on their efforts to reduce small arms proliferation, and in particular to outline challenges and gaps in capacity. Shortly before that, the Global Week of Action, from the 2nd to the 9th of June 2008, will help link the commitments at the regional and global level with actions by national governments. Member Organisations of Pax Christi International are invited to join these opportunities for global advocacy. More information is available on the website: www.iansa.org

Paul Lansu
Pax Christi International
Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains 21
B-1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
Phone: +32 (0)2 502 55 50 fax: +32 (0)2 502 46 26

www.paxchristi.net

Action for peace in Palestine/Israel

by Joshua McElwee, PCUSA intern

In the middle of the holiest week of the year, the week in which we eagerly anticipate the joy of the resurrection of Jesus, it seems necessary to call to mind the horrors that are occurring in the land which first witnessed his nonviolent message of all- encompassing peace and love.

At the beginning of this month in Gaza, a five-day assault left this place, what we commonly call the 'Holy Land,' reeling from the death of between 125- 131 people, half of whom were civilians and of which 22 were children. Tragically, this assault is merely one example in the constant flow of violence which is likely to continue until the underlying problems blocking the creation of two secure, independent and viable states are earnestly dealt with.

ACTION

We ask that you write to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at secretary@state.gov expressing your concern for the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. Ask that the U.S. use its influence to help bring about two secure, independent and viable states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace. Ask that the U.S. be even-handed in its support of Israelis and Palestinians as they negotiate an end to the occupation and a just sharing of Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

For more information, please see:

Religious leaders' letter on Gaza Crisis (Churches for Middle East Peace)

Sources: regarding the numbers of Palestinians killed -- adapted from Phyllis Bennis' article Click here. The action alert: from the Maryknoll website Click Here
web: USA Pax Christi Website

Easter Sunday 2008 - Sermon Fr Claude Mostowik

When confronted with a major disappointment, when our hopes and dreams are dashed on the rock of reality, others might say, ‘Well, what can you expect?’

The women on Easter morning expected to find a smelling body. The disciples were smelling the decay of lives in disappointment as they reflect on the one who seemed so connected to God and was abandoned by God. He even convinced them that his way of seeing the world and seeing people was the right way. And this happens! And what would happen to them now? They could go home to their fishing and admit they mistakenly followed a dreamer who left them disillusioned.

The women did not get what they expected. They found no smelly decaying body but the presence of the one they had known and loved, who said, as he always did: ‘Do not be afraid’. And the disillusioned disciples would receive a ministry to proclaim the presence of love and life in the world. It changed them and the world forever. It is interesting that the early community seemed to only preach Jesus' rising from the dead because everything else seemed irrelevant and unimportant alongside the news that death was not the last word and the Reign that Jesus preaching was breaking in. Only later did it become obsessed with finding little instructions for life’s every little problem with lots of dos and don’ts which caused people to fear again for themselves and become irresponsible about this world by focussing on a future world.

Chocolat – film [about Lent and chocolate]. It is set in a little French village where everyone and everything is in its right place. Tranquility is the supreme value. The status quo must not be disturbed. If you see something, look away. The village is dominated by a mayor who knows what is good for everyone. The mayor even corrects and rewrites the parish priest’s homilies. Church attendance is obligatory However, a woman and her daughter arrive in the village to set up a chocolate shop – during Lent. They are not churchgoers. The woman is a single mother. The mayor spurns them and gets the villagers to do the same. But she seduces the curious villagers who peer through the shop window [remember, it is Lent] by inviting them to come in and taste her delicious chocolates. This awakens in them the ancient mysterious desire for connection, intimacy, and inclusiveness. A stone has been rolled back and a spirit of life breaks through into that community. A spirit of ‘playful’ resistance occurs when mother and daughter help person after person reawaken a sense of connectedness which is based on love rather than fear. She reawakens in them a sense of their beautiful humanity. It enables them to begin to do life differently. Jesus does this for us.

Today’s gospel begins in an atmosphere of darkness, oppression. It is the darkness of the empty tomb; the darkness of not knowing; the darkness of loss; the darkness of shock at seeing Jesus' capture, torture and death. This darkness persists until the ‘other disciple’ entered the tomb, ‘saw and believed.’

What can we see? Can we see things we usually do not? Do we see the Christ in the poor and suffering around us? Do we see that winning and power are not the solutions to every problem or confrontation? Do we recognise that those who have lost much in life have a story to tell that others have not experience? Do we hear from those who are least privileged stories that no one else would ever know? Do we see that being able to have all we want does not mean we should? Do we see that people in other parts of the world suffer because of our personal and national excesses? Do we see God’s reign, God’s seduction, in the little efforts to change our world Do we see that letting go of our fear is a way of entering new life?

‘Well, what did you expect?’ Jesus is risen – and so are we. Jesus is not in the tomb. But will we leave our tombs; leave behind what entombs us – fear, preciousness, self-centredness. New life has been set loose in the world and possibilities for change are available to us. It depends on us to accept it.

It means that we act differently: to see that life is about slow growth, not perfection; a reckless love of the unlovable; traveling through life with new insight, with new people, in new ways. Important question: will we, touched by Jesus, now rise and do life differently?

There are many things which call forth our passion: injustices to redress; social and moral outrages that cannot be ignored. Though always with us, it is no excuse for tolerating them. Christianity’s strength is seen in its ability to build a barrier against hatred in our hearts. We can relieve the world of a little hatred that will otherwise almost surely contribute to the suffering and pain in others.

Jesus’ prayer for his persecutors is a model of how to do life differently in the face of hatred. His rising puts us in touch with a world where it is no longer necessary to settle scores. We have seen the disastrous outcomes when people keep settling scores in the old ways: Iraq; the Balkans; Middle East; even our neighbours who we might not speak with.

People still live with vilification, racism, sexism, prejudice and other forms of violence and we risk just taking it for granted and keeping silent, looking away. We can accept lies of systems and institutions that preach themselves rather than challenging them. In these weeks before Easter [Lent] we have been called again beyond private religion to the prophetic; beyond perfectionism to seeking true growth; beyond mere ritual to witness; beyond religion-for-show to religion-for-real and deep spirituality.

The empty tomb alone proves nothing but we can acknowledge the presence of Jesus everywhere. God and Jesus cannot be locked up. Resurrection invites us to find God by being open to our world; by making connections; by allowing ourselves to be surprised by God in places and in ways we never thought possible. We are invited to allow others – like those women at the tomb, those whom we might refuse to consider - to open our hearts to things we do not want to hear. Let us allow God’s voice to be released in everyone, everywhere. So, let go of the fears that protect us from one another – reach out to the other: the Muslim, the child who needs, support, the homeless, the unemployed, the Indigenous person, the person living with mental illness, the stranger, the gay and lesbian. Our attitude and action leads to removing stones from their graves.

‘Well, what did you expect?’ Jesus lives! Let us do resurrection by insisting on the things of life, justice and peace. Will we rise and resist the deadening grip of the world's burnt-out systems and be open to the light-giving presence of God. These are hints of resurrection in our daily lives. Mary's stubborn commitment to give witness to her community's mourning and grief is inspirational. As the late Dorothee Söelle put it:

"Resurrection is the sign of a power that changes life and breaks its subservience to and cooperation with death. The resurrection has need of witnesses, for it does not function here for the sake of Jesus' return to his father, but for the sake of liberation of all people from fear and submission to the powers of death."

We might ourselves say, or heard other people say, ‘I will not collaborate in my own oppression’. I do not have to list the groups of people.

‘Well, what did you expect?’ This can be life changing! We have resurrection moments in our lives. Do we recognise them when we absorb animosity? Refuse to be violent in speech and behaviour in the face of violence? Hope in the face of despair? Live with depression and still come through? Be faithful where faithlessness might be understood? Let go of hurts in order to begin the process of forgiveness? Resist what is contrary to life? We glimpse resurrection whenever people break through prejudice and fear; attempt reconciliation and make bonds of friendship across cultural divides; when we question institutions, country and church - when they fall short of justice, love and compassion; when we question and challenge racism, inequality or unfair practices in the workplace, war, detention of children, women and men who seek our protection. The tomb is not the final solution.

Why do you seek the living among the dead? The Easter question provokes us: how is it that we have thought that the institutions of death will provide us with new life? Where did we get the idea that by embracing and blessing the death of others we find new life for ourselves?

This was Caesar’s solution. Pilate says send in the troops. It is still the solution of the powers today. Israel is adopting it in Gaza and China in Tibet. The USA sends in the marines, or better those of client states. Kill the one who objects, the rebel, the conscientious objector, the Jew, the Arab, the Salvadoran, the Filipino, the Iraqi, the Turk. Lynch the black person, drown the homosexual, rape the resister, deport the immigrant and the illegal alien. Quarantine the person living with AIDS; gaol the drug addict. Silence dissent by vilification or anti-terror laws or cutting funding to charities and research projects.

‘Well, what did you expect?’ You roll away the stones that prevent people from coming out of their graves – they begin to live. They do things differently. The resurrection introduces us to an uncomfortable newness in relationships and social arrangements. We want it and dread it. The call is to risk new life – and help others risk it. Let others roll away the stone… The resurrection stories show us the importance of the ordinary things of life. Jesus shows us that his wounds remain visible in his body; that whatever our wounds, they are not taken away, but become sources of hope to others. We can still feel the world’s pains and the pains of our family and friends.

This is the 8th day of Creation: it is about new creation; a new earth; new relationships; a new and united humanity. God's image is imprinted on us. It begins with God saying to us, "I love you. Where love is, I am. Where I am is home." God has fallen in love with you and wants you to come home.

Today shows us how much we are remembered by God; how much God wants to intervene in our lives and have a place in our hearts. The death of Jesus revealed how powerful we humans are. We did what we wanted with him. But today reveals how powerful God is and what joy God is holding out for us as we ‘see and believe’ and come to ‘understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead’. ‘Well, what else did you expect?’

A Message from Peacefriends - Tibet

Hi,

I've just joined the urgent campaign to send Kevin Rudd to China with a message to stand up for the human rights of Tibetans.

As Australians, we are in a unique position to help stop the cultural genocide taking place right now in Tibet.

Kevin Rudd happens to be the world leader who not only can speak to the Chinese leaders in their own language, but is visiting Beijing the week after next to meet the President and the Premier. Add to that the impending Beijing Olympics, where the world's eyes will focus on China, and we have a once in a generation chance to resolve this crisis.

As you read this, Tibetans are burying an unknown number of their dead from these recent protests - the number is unknown because China is keeping out all international media and human rights monitors. But China can't afford too much damage to its international reputation, and will listen to Australia's concerns.

Please sign the petition today: Sign petition

It's Time for Palestine

It is time to remember also that there are many friendships between Palestinian and Israeli people.

It's time for Palestine.
It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace.

It's time to respect human lives in the land called holy.
It's time for healing to begin in wounded souls.
It's time to end 60 years of conflict, oppression and fear.
It's time for freedom from occupation.

It's time for equal rights.
It's time to stop discrimination, segregation and restrictions on movement.
It's time for those who put up walls and fences to build them on their own property.
It's time to stop bulldozing one community's homes and building homes for the other community on land that is not theirs.
It's time to do away with double standards.

It's time for Israeli citizens to have security and secure borders agreed with their neighbours.
It's time for the international community to implement 60 years of United Nations resolutions.
It's time for Israel's government to complete the bargain offered in the Arab Peace Initiative.
It's time for those who represent the Palestinian people to all be involved in making peace.
It's time for people who have been refugees for 60 years to regain their rights and a permanent home.
It's time to assist settlers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to make their home in Israel.
It's time for self-determination.

It's time for foreigners to visit Bethlehem and other towns imprisoned by the wall.
It's time to see settlements in their comfort and refugee camps in their despair.
It's time for people living 41 years under occupation to feel new solidarity from a watching world.

It's time to name the shame of collective punishment and to end it in all its forms.
It's time to be revolted by violence against civilians and for civilians on both sides to be safe.
It's time for both sides to release their prisoners and give those justly accused a fair trial.
It's time to reunite the people of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
It's time for all parties to obey international humanitarian and human rights law.

It's time to share Jerusalem as the capital of two nations and a city holy to three religions.
It's time for Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities to be free to visit their holy sites.
It's time in Palestine as in Israel for olive trees to flourish and grow old.

It's time to honour all who have suffered, Palestinians and Israelis.
It's time to learn from past wrongs.
It's time to understand pent-up anger and begin to set things right.
It's time for those with blood on their hands to acknowledge what they have done.
It's time to seek forgiveness between communities and to repair a broken land together.
It's time to move forward as human beings who are all made in the image of God.

All who are able to speak truth to power must speak it.
All who would break the silence surrounding injustice must break it.
All who have something to give for peace must give it.
For Palestine, for Israel and for a troubled world,

It's time for peace - co-sponsored by Pax Christi International

“It’s Time for Palestine” – Week of Action

International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel

In 2008, the Week of Action will take place 4 – 10 June on the theme “Its Time for Palestine.” The International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel is an annual Week of Action advocacy initiative convened by the World Council of Churches and supported by Pax Christi International. The Arab Educational Institute, AEI, in Bethlehem, is active in the project as well.

The goal of the action is to raise awareness in churches and civil society and to impress upon governments the need for new efforts to end the conflict and negotiate a settlement. Four types of actions are/will be developed: pray, educate, advocate and public action. The Ecumenical Service with the Heads of Churches will take place on 4 June in Jerusalem. Member organisations of Pax Christi International are invited to join the Week of Action and develop its own type of actions in collaboration with churches, church related organisations, religious communities or congregations, and with NGOs on the national and/or local level, if possible.


The following materials will be made available and could be used on national and local level:

The message “It’s Time for Palestine,” is already available in English (Read in 2008-0241-en-me-HR). The message will also be made available in French, Spanish, German and Dutch.
The Jerusalem Prayer for Sunday 8 June 2008 - Will be made available in English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Swedish and Dutch.
A liturgy from the Churches in Jerusalem. In English.

Find also in attached the Newsletter of the Coordination in Australia. For your inspiration!

Please keep the International Secretariat informed about your plans.

With kind regards,


Fr. Paul Lansu

International Secretariat

THE PINE GAP 4 HAVE WON THEIR APPEAL!

Dear friends

Today Bryan, Jim, Adele and Donna were acquitted of their convictions under the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952.

It was a unanimous decision by the full bench of the Northern Territory Court of Criminal Appeal.

The three judges agreed with our submission that there was a miscarriage of justice at last year's trial because we were not able to bring evidence before the jury about the function of Pine Gap.

There were other grounds to the appeal, of a more technical nature. The judges will publish the detailed reasons for their decision in coming weeks.

The Prosecution quickly sought a re-trial, but was quickly rebutted.

"What would be achieved for these individuals or the community if there is a re-trial?" asked Justice Riley rather sternly.

The judges unanimously ruled there would be no re-trial.

The fact that we had already served prison time was a significant factor in their decision to refuse a re-trial. We are all very glad we did this as now our slate is clean regarding the other charge of 'damage', under the crimes act. So now it's all over!

This 'David vs Goliath' outcome is a result of the excellent work of our legal team: Ron Merkel QC, Rowena Orr and Russell Goldflam. Their commitment, persistance and brilliance was amazing. They should be heartily congratulated. (I hope to have a way for you all to do that soon).

The result now raises significant questions for the Government about the use of the Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952. It was the first, and mostly likely last time it will be used in this context.

It is a victory for fairness and common sense, and a slap in the face for Prosecutor's who seek to use draconian legislation to respond to pacifists partaking in non-violent civil disobedience with an extreme witchunt.

Congratulations to our Pine Gap colleagues Jessica Morrison and Sean O'Reilly and thanks to everyone involved in our journey since December 2005.

It's been an amazing experience for all of us!

Rise Up!
Put Pine Gap on trial!

cheers from

Donna, Jim. Adele, Bryan

PS: Within 10 minutes of the ruling there was national media coverage on most major newspaper websites as well as ABC Radio and TV.

PPS: Some pics to come, news reports below


http://news.smh.com.au/pine-gap-protesters-conviction-quashed/20080222-1txp.html


http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23257820-5005961,00.html

Letter sent to Pope Benedict - US Visit

To His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI
From:
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Archdiocese of Detroit Kathy Boylan, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Stephen Vincent Kobasa Kathy Kelly Marie Dennis, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Frank Cordaro, Des Moines Catholic Worker

Most Holy Father:

In your own words, "today we should be asking ourselves if it is still licit to admit the very existence of a 'just war'." Yet, during your upcoming visit to the United States, you are planning to meet with President George W. Bush, whose empty justifications for the violence in Iraq lead to increasing numbers of dead, injured and displaced people. Iraqi civilians still endure the "continual slaughter" which you described in your 2007 Easter Sunday address.

Shortly before the U.S. invaded Iraq, you rightly declared that "there were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war." You've also called attention to the terrible new technologies which cause indiscriminate destruction. Five years later, how much more reason you have to call for an immediate end to this war, and to refuse to meet with the President of the United States until that is accomplished.

If you kneel in grief and outrage before the cross of the tortured Christ, can you offer your blessing to a head of government who excuses the most terrible abuses of human minds and bodies as "legal?"

If meet with him you must, then meet as a prophet should - issuing a warning and an invitation to repentance. Courtesy cannot be used as an evasion of our biblical faith. Ezekiel was repeatedly reminded of his responsibility to admonish those doing evil if he desired to escape sharing in the responsibility for their sins. Shouldn't any of us who recognize the horror of what is happening in Iraq be condemned if we are silent?

You are scheduled to be in Washington, D.C. on the anniversary of your birth. We feel sure that you will be thinking of the countless children of Iraq who never reached their fifth birthday. In 2005 alone, 122,000 Iraqi children under age five died. There are many, both within the Church and outside of it, who long for your voice to speak for those innocent dead and - face to face with those whose policies denied all respect for their lives - demand that the killing stop.

We are, in faithful hope

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Archdiocese of Detroit Kathy Boylan, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Stephen Vincent Kobasa Kathy Kelly Marie Dennis, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Frank Cordaro, Des Moines Catholic Worker

FACILITATING SOCIAL CHANGE CONFERENCE 2008

Commonground Conference Centre, Seymour, Victoria
Thurs 6pm 8-5-08 to 6pm Sat 10-5-08
Plus - a free party chucked in for Sat night 10-5-08
thru to breakky Sun Morning 11-5-08

THE IDEA
Like never before, the world needs good facilitation to help collaborate
around just and sustainable outcomes on SOOOO many fronts.

This is a little Conference between the big Australasian Facilitation
Network (AFN) Conferences held annually in November. This May
Conference seeks to extend the reach of facilitation further into the
realm of social change, and being social change agents.

For such just and sustainable outcomes to have greater impact, we need
to gather together people who think differently. At this Facilitating
Social Change Conference - we would like to extend the invitation to
Facilitators from the 'top end of town' through to activists working
from 'the bottom up' - and all in between.

THE PROGRAM
At this stage, we would like to 'keep it fluid', and consult with people
interested in attending - to find out the kind of topics you would like
covered. So if you have ideas about what you want, and who could do
it - then contact Glen Ochre at all@groupwork.com.au.
In subject line of email, put 'FSCC Topics'.

As we get closer to the Conference - the melding of what people want,
what people can offer, and who is coming will form the core of the
Conference.
There will be room at the Conference for spontaneous topics.

THE VENUE
The venue is at Commonground - a small dedicated conference/social
change resource centre and intentional community. Glen Ochre and Ed
McKinley are among those who founded the Commonground Co-operative in
1984. It is nestled into the bush on a 95 acre property, near Seymour,
95 kms north of Melbourne. It is easily accessible fromMelbourne
Airport, is on the Sydney/Melb rail line, the Brisbane/Melb and
Sydney/Melb bus
routes.

THE DETAILS
A maximum of 60 participants, with 4 levels of accommodation.
We encourage people to come for the full 3 days to get the full benefit
from the conference process.

Costs range from $170 to $380 for the 3 day conference - depending on
your income level and accommodation option. The aim is to subsidise
those with low incomes/high costs. Delicious vegetarian meals are
included in the conference price. A roster will be used for
dishes/cleanup. This helps keep costs down.

See the Conference website www.fscc.net.au for full details.

THE PARTY
The Conference will formally close at 6pm on Saturday 10-5-08, but
everyone is warmly welcome to stay on for a great Saturday night
Freebie:
- dinner
- band and lotsa dancing
- accommodation
- Sunday morning breakky

THE NEXT STEP
For further enquiries:
Contact Ed McKinley edd@itu.com.au or +61 03 5793 8257 (AUST)
Stephen Thorpe stephen.thorpe@aut.ac.nz or 0011 6421 110 3018 (NZ)
To book: go to www.fscc.net.au/docs/registration.html#

Appeal -To stop violence against Iraqi women ..

Let us work together for justice, equality and the right of life


Despite the relative improvement in the security situation is still the Iraqi people to live in an atmosphere of chaos that unprecedented or other peoples live in its airspace.

Perhaps the most important manifestation of this lawlessness and chaos exacerbated terrorism and lawlessness and the spread of organized crime, which claimed the lives of more than fifty women in Basra alone in the second half of this year, at the hands of the forces of darkness and gangs and criminal motives and pretexts different social, religious and political.

The Iraqi women who are subjected to various forms of discrimination, oppression and exploitation, and to exercise their right of violence on a daily basis and through innovative, today face mass killings because of widespread terrorism against them, and implement the most heinous murders of their right everywhere in broad daylight with impunity ..

The murders of women in the city of Basra but a terrible proof of barbarism and the perpetrators behind them.

Despite the condemnation of these crimes faced by the government and the authorities concerned did not take necessary action about these crimes to put an end to them and to punish the assailants and stand behind it.

We in the Commonwealth of Iraqi women denounce and strongly condemn the killing of women in Basra and other Iraqi cities, and denounce all forms of violation of human rights in Iraq, and we call on international organizations and the Iraqi Government and the relevant authorities to:

1.- send an international commission of the High Commission for Human Rights of the United Nations, and with the participation of international organizations advocate for human rights, truth and help the Iraqi authorities to identify the perpetrators and to work towards the immediate cessation of crimes against Iraqi women.

2. - disclosure of the perpetrators of crimes against women and stand behind them and bring them to justice.
3. - disclosure of the results of investigations and declaration of public opinion.

4. - working for the protection of women's rights and maintenance of personal freedoms guaranteed constitutionally and in accordance with international charters.

5. - to take stringent measures to protect women and the lives of citizens.

6.- serious work to improve the conditions of women and enable them to participate actively in political life and the rebuilding of Iraq.

Iraqi Women's Association / Commission coordination abroad

To sign the campaign click on the link below

Stop Violence Against Iraqi Women .. Let Us Work Together for Justice, Equality Let Us Work Together for Justice, Equality
and the Right to Life And the Right to Life

Global Campaign against and prevention of crimes of honour
Raise the voice of protest against the exacerbation of violence and killings against women in Basra


Association of Iraqi women
sivany1@hotmail.com Sivany1@hotmail.com
2008 / 1 / 3 2008 / 1 / 3