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
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
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
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
Monday, July 28, 2008
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.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
‘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
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
Saturday, June 21, 2008
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
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.
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
….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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
