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
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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
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
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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
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
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
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
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