Introducing the first blind Tamil lawyer

December 15, 2008 by caritasinternationalis
Atpputharajah is first blind Tamil lawyer in Sri Lanka

Atpputharajah is first blind Tamil lawyer in Sri Lanka

We’d like to share this happy news.

Atputharajah is a blind boy. He came to Caritas Sri Lanka’s branch in Jaffna in the north for educational assistance with his mother in 1999. They are from a very poor family.

Fr.Jeyakumar’s brother Jeevan helped his education from then till his graduation through Hudec- Caritas Jaffna.

Atputharajah is the first blind Tamil lawyer in Sri Lanka. He got the highest (more than 80 marks) in one of his subjects and receiving an award too.

We are so proud of him and so happy to share his success in life with all the supporters of Caritas.

Fr.Jeyakumar and staff
HUDEC Caritas Jaffna

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Our man at the UN reports on a special day

December 11, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

By Joseph Cornelius Donnelly, Caritas Internationalis Head of Delegation at the UN headquarters in New York

Among the countless anniversaries and commemorations which unfold at United Nations headquarters in New York City, this 60th anniversary unfolded on a Spring-like day in December offering something of a respectful pause amidst the otherwise rush of end-of-year meetings, pre-holiday schedules and a weary world’s woes.

Now aging seats in the old Trusteeship Council Chamber swiftly filled up with Member States of the 63rd General Assembly. Wasn’t a standing room only gathering, as there was in recent times for the food crisis, financial crisis, resolution on women, peace & security.

There wasn’t urgent clamoring from diplomats or civil society in balcony. But - there were very serious global voices noting, remarking, remembering. Somalia was mentioned quickly, the Democratic Republic of Congo was noted several times, others. Comments came about counterterrorism measures, lack of respect, tolerance.

As human rights expert advised, informed, challenged any complacency, government representatives spoke - some briefly, some at great length. Words echoed through the Chamber with translators keeping the momentum. The venue was webcast live for all to see, hear - and hopefully take actions.

In Somalia a human rights expert said: “Just another day of suffering…” With what some see as wide attention on crises in Zimbabwe and DRCongo, they state: “Far more atrocities taking place today in Somalia than any other country in the world.”

Another concerned international citizen announced strongly: “It’s no longer possible to say some rights are more important than others. All rights, every right is vital and to be respected.”

Today, more than ever we need not mere annual checklists of improvement. We need substantive actions across all sectors; we need one united UN, galvanizing strength upon strength, fact upon fact - to rescue humanity. In UN speak it’s called system-wide coherence; some Members get it!

Still others argue: don’t be negative, don’t be pessimistic, have hopes.

Indeed, the human rights of disabled persons finally got deserved recognition and entered into international law in 2008.

Good - yes, and a breakthrough, but late like so many recognitions.

Regardless of special needs, circumstances or historic contexts, rights are rights meant to absolutely support the dignity of every human being.

All rights are to be respected without casting about for degrees of rightness. Human rights must be an empowering process especially for marginalized people.

With talk of amnesty, impunity, indictments, international law - followed by democracy, freedom, liberation, integrity and universality, comes the realization at anniversary like this that while some progress has unfolded in the course of the last sixty post W.W.II years - many experts suggest that the last ten years have seen too many setbacks.

Wherever you look around the world, continent to continent, town to village, ignoring human rights helps no one and impoverishes the entire community.

Remembering - the right to food.
Remembering - the right to education.
Remembering - the right to development.
Remembering - the right to religion and freedom of speech.
Remembering - the right to be ALIVE, working, breathing, communicating and contributing peacefully into a responsible engaged global human family.

Thankfully many governments took notice of the vast networks of NGOs and local rights-minded communities, citizens, organizations who hold on wisely, with dedication and significant education outreach… that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood as the First Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed
on December 10, 1948.

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Migration Forum in Dakar: Fundamental questions, a wonderful courtyard and magic moments!

December 11, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

By Martina Liebsch, Caritas Internationalis advocacy coordinator for migration, trafficking and gender

Part 1

I recently came back from Dakar in Senegal, from the Forum “Migration, Politiques et droits de l’homme” and pictures from the meeting are still in my head.

It was the first meeting that gathered a considerable number of European and African Caritas members around the topic of Migration. At least for me it was an eye-opener in terms of the multiple root causes for migration. Europeans sometimes see the link between poverty and migration as having one cause. This link is not wrong but does not take into account the complexity of the root causes, a mix between traditions to migrate, lack of opportunities, myths, gaps between rural and urban areas etc.

What approach should be taken vis a vis migration? Two positions can be identified: The one promoted by the European Caritas members so far: Migration has to be safe, legal and a choice. Some of our – mainly African - colleagues are of the opinion that everything has to be done to ensure, that young people stay in their countries and contribute to its development. Migration should not be an option.

Another hot topic: The issue of return. Everybody agreed that return should be voluntary and by no means be linked to any conditions. But they recognized two other categories of return: The one which is voluntary, but also forced, as there are no further options to stay and the third one being the one when people are sent back against their will.

There was consensus that to organize a voluntary return resources were needed, which Caritas from mainly the South complained they did not have. Would it compromise the cause of Caritas if funds also devoted to forced return would be used? There was no real consensus on that.

The reports from colleagues from Algeria, Marocco and Mauritania, who have to work often under very restrictive conditions were dramatic. They have to deal with cases of outcasts, nobody really wants to take care of. They are often not allowed to move back to their countries of origin, as their family members would not accept them, but they have no options in the country of transit and destination and are waiting there for a better future.

Part 2

Arriving at night at Dakar airport is a cultural shock for a European who has not been there before. A multitude of people try to offer all sorts of services. This feeling is much stronger after a 12 hour journey. So we, my colleague Pierre and I, were happy to be told, that we would be “parked” at a “auberge” called “Mme. Cissey’s” until other participants arrived.

We were brought to a very nice, clean, courtyard, with a Mango-tree in the middle and a table around it. The perfect place to wait…. and to observe life and people – and also to talk. We were in a place were almost all participants who arrived by plane or left for their countries again had to go through, to store their luggage, to rest a few hours or to stay a night.

I know “caravanserais” only from books, but I think, Mme Cissey had all the ingredients for such a place. Waiting for our departure or for meeting people or for going to other meetings, many of us spent some time in this place and whenever we sat together we talked, talked, talked: about the Senegalese in Mallorca (and meeting some of their family members), the Spanish return policies or the cultural dimension of migration in some African countries.

It was an oasis of knowledge and of magical moments. One of the participants, a young man told us about his life and his attempts to cross the fence around Ceuta and Melilla. “Although we had trained for this moment, I could not do it, he said, I was too afraid!” he said. It was the difficult situation of his numerous family, caused by the sickness of his father, the heritage discussions after his death, the lack of opportunities and the pressure toraise a young family that made the young men leave his country. Today he tries to help other migrants who were sent back to cope with their lives.

Part 3

My final word goes to the Senegalese women: First of all Anita….she was an street seller around the hotel in Saly. With a charming smile and some stories, she made me spend a relatively large amount of Euro for a tunika. But her smile was irresistible!

There were as well wonderful dynamic female colleagues attending and organising the meeting, to which I pay tribute! I’m excited about the idea of discussing the issue of feminization in the near future. An issue which was not really touched upon in the meeting.

We also met women in a market place in Dakar. They were women from the villages coming to the markets in Dakar to earn their living, because in their villages, the basis for their livelihood does not exist anymore. They come from polygamist families and they are responsible for feeding their children. If the climate does not allow for it, they have to migrate to the city. Caritas Dakar runs a program with micro credit, which encourages women to go back to their villages as the opportunities in the cities are not many and they can be subject to violence and exploitation.

The women we met, were earning their living by processing couscous or washing and ironing clothes. They were proud and even if their means were very limited they showed their hospitality – the senegalese teranga.

Thanks to Caritas Senegal for this wealth of experience!

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UN Declaration of Human Rights is 60

December 10, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The 30-point document was adopted by the UN in the aftermath of WWII and emphasises rights and freedoms that are held to apply to everyone in the world.

Why not take a few minutes to read it and send us your reflections.

PREAMBLE
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.

(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.

(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.

(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.

(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.

(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.

(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.

(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28.
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.

(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.

(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

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Climate campaign launch at Poznan

December 8, 2008 by caritasinternationalis
Caritas team in Poland

Caritas team in Poland

By Christine Campeau and Floriana Politi

« Create a Climate for Justice »

As faith-based organizations, CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis have come together to bring their collective moral weight to the call for justice in the future global climate change agreement.

We are calling for justice for the poor and vulnerable people in developing countries around the world who are most affected by the adverse effects of climate change despite having done least to create the problem.

As global temperatures continue to rise, this is having a grave impact on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. Damage to these sectors sets back the countries’ development by decades and is having devastating effects the lives and livelihoods of the poor. Despite their resilience and their innovation, the adaptive capabilities of poor and vulnerable people are becoming increasingly challenged.

CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis’ community based approach emphasizes the needs of the most vulnerable people and our solidarity with their fight.

The Caritas Internationalis-CIDSE campaign was officially launched on Sunday 7th December in Poznan. On that occasion, a press conference was held with H.E. Theotonius Gomes, Bishop of Dhaka and President of Caritas Bangladesh speaking on the panel. Other spokespersons included Fr. Marian Subocz, Director of Caritas Poland, CIDSE President René Grotenhuis, and Nafisa D’Souza, a partner from Laya, India. The presence of the Polish media was particularly welcome given the prominent role Poland is playing in the current climate negotiations in the EU.

The ongoing discussions within the Conference of the Parties 14th to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have presented us with the right moment and the right momentum for the launch of the Caritas Internationalis-CIDSE Campaign. As we reach the halfway mark in the negotiations for a new global climate change agreement, our networks have used this opportunity to highlight the obligation for all countries to recognize their responsibilities and to come up with an effective agreement in Copenhagen by the end of 2009.

Our campaign asks are that:

• All countries should recognize and protect the right to sustainable
development of people in developing countries, and prioritise the most vulnerable.
• Industrialized countries should provide sufficient, secure
additional and accessible financial and technological support for adaptation and mitigation efforts by developing countries.
• Industrialized countries should commit to at least 30- 40% reduction
in emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels)

We were privileged to have, in just a few short weeks, the support of almost one hundred Northern and Southern Archbishops, Bishops and Cardinals for the launch of our campaign for climate justice. The CIDSE-Caritas Internationalis campaign will run throughout 2009 following progress in the negotiations, promoting postcards and online petitions, and holding joint moments to urge governments to achieve an effective, equitable and socially just post-2012 agreement.

The presence of the Catholic community has been warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated by all those fighting for a strong and fair new climate agreement. Importantly, as global Catholic networks Caritas Internationalis and CIDSE provide a powerful moral weight to the fight for climate justice. Caritas members have been highlighting the urgency of climate change for a number of years. Now Caritas Internationalis and CIDSE together are bringing the experience and the perspective of our members and partners to the forefront in international discussions.

We look forward to further support from our membership organizations as our campaign progresses forward.

07.12.08

Today marked the official launch of the Caritas Internationalis/CIDSE campaign on climate justice. To inaugurate this special occasion, mass was held in the beautiful Fara Church in the Old Market Center in Poznan. The ceremony was co-celebrated by Bishop Grzegorz from Poznan, Bishop Gomes from Dhaka, Bangladesh and by Fr. Marian Subocz from Caritas Poland.

To highlight the importance of the protection the earth, children from the local parish brought up offerings to the altar, which included a plant, some soil and water to symbolize the elements of the earth. Prayers were said in English, Spanish, French, and Polish to give a voice to the poor who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change around the globe and to demonstrate the international feel of the campaign.

The message of the Bishop Grzegorz Homily was “Instead of changing the world in a manner consistent to cooperation with God the Creator, people are destroying the world in which we live. Truly astonishing is the blindness of man, who places himself above God’s commandments […]

We fight for ecology, for clean air, water and earth. It is good that there are such initiatives. Nevertheless, they will not affect many changes if people will not return to God and His commandments. The world will never be ecologically clean as long as human hearts are unclean, as long as the laws of human nature are trampled upon.”

Renee Grotenhuis, President of CIDSE and Director of CORDAID and Bernd Nilles, Secretary General of CIDSE along with the rest of the CIDSE team joined with Floriana Polito and Christine Campeau from Caritas Internationalis to participate at this event. In addition, Mizanur Rahman from Caritas Bangladesh and Ms. Sherin Jacob from Caritas India also took part at the Holy Mass.

06.12.08

Christine and Floriana, the Caritas Internationalis delegation

Christine and Floriana, the Caritas Internationalis delegation

Today we spent the day with Mr. Mizanur Rahman from Caritas Bangladesh discussing at great length the particular environmental challenges that his country faces. In order to overcome these obstacles, he explained that his government works closely with the civil society groups to find solutions.

Mr. Rahman highlighted to us that state officials and policy-makers turn to the local NGOs and grass-root networks for their experience and knowledge on the ground. It is hoped that these inputs and suggestions will assist to find the root causes of the problems and eventually develop the resolutions to correct them.

The representative from Caritas Bangladesh furthered by giving us details about the drought relief programme that is to be launched on December 13th in his community to assist the agricultural capacities on their ‘water challenged’ soil.

Lastly, he shared with us the issue of financing such programs and the need for funds to be channeled without imposed conditions. Mr. Rahman expressed his understanding for the financial donors to desire a system of accountability for their funds but he highlighted the importance that those conditions do not dictate the direction of the spending.

Moreover on the occasion of the participation of H.E. Theotonius Gomes, Bishop of Dhaka and President of Caritas Bangladesh, an informal private meeting was organized with some representatives of the Bangladeshi delegation. The gathering offered the opportunity to get some clarification on the ongoing negotiation processes and on Bangladesh’s position. One of the technical adviser of the delegation explained that COP 14 is not a decision-making meeting. State Parties to the UNFCCC came together to collect information and set up the ground (la base) for the negotiation process, which will take place in Bonn throughout the year and determine the outcome in Copenhagen.

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Greetings from Poznan,

December 5, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

by Christine Campeau & Floriana Polito

The Caritas Internationalis Climate Change Delegation has arrived at the United Nation Climate Change meeting (UNFCCC) in Poznan, Poland.

The Geneva team, consisting of Floriana Polito and Christine Campeau, will be closely following the negotiation process. Caritas Bangladesh, Caritas Kenya, Caritas India and Caritas Poland will also be joining our Geneva team in the next coming days in order to give a strong voice to Caritas in the climate change debate.

There is shared determination to support action at local and global levels given the urgent need to accelerate action on mitigation to address the causes of climate change and avoid future catastrophic consequences of global warming while at the same time making efforts for adaptation to future and impacts. A key role of the United Nations is thus to facilitate efforts in areas of finance, technology and capacity-building.

Aside from the formal negotiations, daily side-events are held by UN agencies and NGOs covering a wide range of issues.

Caritas particularly attended the side-event on ‘The Humanitarian Response to Climate Change’ that dealt with the early warning systems needed to increase the preparedness and response information safeguards for the most vulnerable people to help them minimize the impacts of natural disasters.

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It is not enough just to talk about love

December 4, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

Twenty years of AIDS care by Caritas Romana
By Rev. Robert J. Vitillo
Caritas Internationalis’ Special Advisor on HIV and AIDS

I read with great surprise the news that Caritas Romana  is observing the twentieth anniversary of establishing its HIV and AIDS Services on 5th December. This is an occasion when the words, “It seemed like only yesterday …” at least for my memories of the work of Caritas Romana in this field.

In the late 1980s, I was working at the General Secretariat of Caritas Internationalis in Rome and, very early into my assignment, received the blessing of meeting Don Luigi Di Liegro, the Director of Caritas Romana. Before coming to Rome, I too had served as the Director of a diocesan Caritas organization in the United States, so I identified with the role and challenges faced by Don Luigi.

I quickly perceived, however, that this was no ordinary Caritas director. Every word that he spoke and every action that he took revealed the true meaning of the word “caritas” as it was exemplified by Jesus Himself.  Don Luigi was truly a man of “complete and unselfish love”. He treated every person he met, from the highest political or ecclesiastical leader to the homeless person on the street with respect for the God-given dignity they had received as children of God.

Thus it was no surprise that Don Luigi reacted swiftly and with determination to improve the plight of people living with AIDS in Rome  during the late 1980s. Many such persons were kept in hospital far beyond the necessary periods of time - mainly because they had no place to stay and no one to care for them.

Many had been abandoned by their families long before they knew that they had contracted this serious illness. Don Luigi decided that Caritas Romana should develop group home situations for such people - two homes for men and one home for mothers and children - all living with AIDS and with little hope of survival (since this occurred during a time when we had no knowledge that combination anti-retroviral treatment could prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life for persons living with HIV and AIDS).

Don Luigi was intensely focused on offering a welcoming, non-judgemental and compassionate environment to the residents of the Caritas Romana residences. He made that clear, in no uncertain terms, to those recruited to staff these residents. He greatly honoured me by requesting my assistance in planning the residences and in developing policies and procedures for their programmes.

Then came the difficult times. Local residents in the Villa Glori (Parioli) area of Rome were incensed that Don Luigi would bring people with AIDS to live in their upper-end area of the city. They protested and even introduced court action to block his plans. Don Luigi remained firm in his commitment to people living with the virus and presented a strong defence in court. Eventually, he, and those who would benefit from the Caritas Romana residences, won the case.

Once the houses opened, Don Luigi learned the painful stories of the residents and never seemed rushed or impatient as they recounted the many challenges encountered in their lives. Instead, he smiled broadly as they told him about the warmth and welcome they experienced in their new homes sponsored by Caritas Romana.

Perhaps most vividly I recall the day when the actress, Elizabeth Taylor visited the Villa Glori residence. She was accompanied by the fashion designer Valentino; he stayed only a few minutes, but she made it clear that she had come to visit and remained for almost two hours. As soon as Ms. Taylor started to speak English, Don Luigi realized that he had not provided for translation - he shouted across the room to me, “Bob, lo fai tu! (Bob, you do the translation!)”.

I am certain that the love and spirit of Don Luigi’s concern for people living with AIDS remains in the Caritas Romana residence. I know that his inspiration continues to strengthen my own commitment to advocate with and for those living with or affected by HIV.

I display prominently in my office a photo of Don Luigi and I can hear him say the words inscribed on this photo which, loosely translated into English, remind me: “It is not enough to talk about love; we must be willing, as Jesus did, to dirty our hands and put love (Caritas) into action with all whom we serve.”

Happy Anniversary to Caritas Romana and may Don Luigi continue to guide, from his new and heavenly home,  the active love that is promoted by Caritas all over the world!

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Posted in HIV and AIDS, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Violence flares in Nigeria

December 3, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

By Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, National Secretary, JDP/Caritas Nigeria

13.01.08

The situation is Jos in getting better, but there are still some areas that very tense and with presence of military personnel. The dusk to dawn curfew is not lifted yet, but gradually relative calm has returned. Some banks started operation today, and life is returning to normal.

However the state of many refugees is a cause of concern. As of yesterday the camps were crowded with people in great need for basic items.

Reports from the local Caritas shows that there is about 18 camps, while government says 26.

The number is close to 30, 000 people made of children, women, sick, Muslims, Traditionalists and Christians. Some of the camps are strategic and so people could run to them for safety. Some have today left the camps and either returned to what is left of their homes or moved to the suburbs for a while. Most of those left in the camps are people who have nowhere to go to; their homes are burnt, no cloth, not food and are vulnerable to epidemic.

The Nigerian Bishops have called on all the dioceses in the country to organize fundraising.

12.01.08

Reports reaching me show that Jos city, the capital of Plateau State in Nigeria, was in flames last weekend. It all started on Friday. It started as a political conflict which resulted in full scale violence as a result of the Local Government elections which just ended in the state. It is said that some sections were angry because the candidate that won is not their choice.

What started as a political violence then turned religious. Many places of worship are destroyed, houses burned as well as business centres. Many lives are lost. The papers report about 430 persons who have already been given a mass burial. What this means is that the number could be more. Many are injured and now in the hospitals.

The provincial and formation houses of the Augustinian fathers were affected. Some of the students on formationshave been hospitalised. The Archdiocese of Jos and caritas Nigeria is now faced with another man made crisis. The number of IDPs is great. But no full statistics at the moment.

We will however ask for your great support at this time especially for the families that lost their dear ones, the injured, and IDPs.

Let us keep especially the Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius kaigama and the entire people of God in the Archdiocese and the people of Plateau State in our prayers for healing and peace.

Posted in Emergencies, Peace and Reconciliation, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Happy Birthday Caritas Sri Lanka

December 3, 2008 by caritasinternationalis
Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley Anne Knight sharing with Caritas Sri Lanka the best wishes of our 162 members

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley Anne Knight sharing with Caritas Sri Lanka the best wishes of our 162 members

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Kinight at 40th Anniversary celebrations for Caritas Sri Lanka

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Kinight at 40th Anniversary celebrations for Caritas Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, 3 DECEMBER 2008

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Lesley-Anne Knight today opened the Caritas Trade Fair and Exhibition in Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo, with the country’s Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Thissa Vitharana.

The fair, which is being held in the city’s Vihara Maha Devi Park, is part of Caritas Sri Lanka’s 40th anniversary celebrations. More than 80 stalls showcased a range of handicrafts, agricultural produce and food and drink products from throughout Sri Lanka, many of them from Caritas-sponsored income generation projects that were set up after the devastating tsunami that hit the island in December 2004.

The two-day event was a unique opportunity for small entrepreneurs to bring their produce into the city and sell directly to the public and local retailers. The opening ceremony was also attended by the Archbishop of Colombo Dr Oswald Gomis, the Director of Caritas Sri Lanka Fr Damian Fernando, plus bishops, priests, directors and staff representing Caritas Sri Lanka’s 13 Diocesan centres.

40th anniversary celebration of Caritas Sri Lanka

Colombo 4th December 2008

Speech by Dr Lesley-Anne Knight
Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis

It is an enormous pleasure to be at the birthday party of one of the Caritas family. Caritas in Sri Lanka is a highly reputable, much loved member of the global Caritas confederation and on behalf of our President Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez and all of the other 161 Caritas members, I congratulate you all and thank you for the privilege of sharing this special 40th year moment.

Caritas, all our Caritas members, at parish, diocesan and national level, make up Caritas Internationalis. We are at the heart of the Church’s mission, a sign of love that God has for the whole of humanity; a mission so beautifully expressed too by SEDEC as “Journeying together for a just society”. Our belonging to Caritas Internationalis also has significance for our mission… Our very name, Caritas Internationalis, means “the love between nations”.

As Caritas Sri Lanka marks its 40th anniversary, it is also a time to mark the enormous successes and celebrate with thanksgiving the graces of God, and above all the dedication of the Sri Lankan Bishops who have made Caritas and the cause of justice and peace the “opus proprium” of our Church in Sri Lanka. I congratulate our Sri Lankan Bishops, together with your priests and people for your leadership, vision and pastoral care.

But for Caritas Sri Lanka a 40th anniversary is also a time to look forward, to renewal and new beginnings. We are at the heart of the Church’s mission to love and serve the poor and the Church too in this is called periodically to renewal, into a deeper knowledge of her identity, faithful to what is given in the gospels but also faithful to enter further into this mystery. Caritas Sri Lanka is 40 years old in the year of St Paul. And we remember how St Paul summoned the Church to open herself and so become a better image of our Lord in whom “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ…” (Galatians 3,28)

Our Church in Sri Lanka and Caritas understand well that call in a multi-faith society torn by sorrow and strife… and joins too as a member of the world-wide Caritas family to face the challenges of our global world.

Whether we are talking about financial upheavals and economic recession, global warming and climate change, migration of whole communities and human trafficking, armed conflict or natural disasters, there is a global dimension that makes it impossible for humanity to escape its collective responsibilities.

As Caritas people we need to be constantly asking ourselves how we can be faithful to what we have received from the gospels and the tradition of our Church, and at the same time faithful to the gifts and opportunities that God offers in this new world in which humanity is bound together more closely than ever before. We will need to face the challenges of our changing climate, a new economic dynamism, the urgent cries for peace. And we will need to do so walking the road together “journeying always towards a more just society.” In the words of Pope Paul VI in Populorum Progressio, “We must walk the road together, united in hearts and minds.”

Caritas Sri Lanka has a key role to play in response to these new challenges, with renewed energy and commitment in the human response to God’s love. It is at the service of the Church’s response, not just to the suffering and injustices of a world economy that brings plenty to some and destitution and violence to others. Caritas is an expression of what the Church is as the sign and sacrament of “the unity of the entire human race.” (Lumen Gentium 1)

Let us as Caritas people embody the love and outreach of God himself to those in need, regardless of who they are, and what is their faith, if any.

I would like to end with a personal reflection of my experience as I have visited Caritas programmes with my husband Mark over the past few days here with you in Sri Lanka. There is a well-known writer of English literature, Oscar Wilde, who said: “ Where there is sorrow, there is holy ground.” You have certainly in this beautiful land your share of sorrow. But our experience has been one of love, hope, compassion, creativity, initiative, forgiveness and community lived in joy. And all of that too makes me say this is surely holy ground.

My thanks and congratulations to Fr Damian Fernando the Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, to the staff and all who have made Caritas Sri Lanka. Happy 40th Birthday!

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World AIDS Day – 1st December 2008

December 1, 2008 by caritasinternationalis

By Francesca Merico, CI International Delegate in Geneva

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), HIV has inflicted the “single greatest reversal in human development” in modern history. In 28 years, HIV and AIDS has become a global emergency, responsible for the deaths of some 25 million people. In sub-Saharan Africa, the region most affected by the epidemic, approximately 60 percent of adults living with HIV are women. 

The pandemic continues to cause untold physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, exacerbates human rights abuses, and disrupts family integrity and harmony. In the countries most heavily affected, HIV has reduced life expectancy by more than 20 years, causing dangerous consequences for the transfer of knowledge and values from one generation to the next. It has slowed economic growth, and deepened household poverty.

Today, despite the fact that 33 million people are living with HIV, many more do not know whether or not they have the virus and others do not know the difference between HIV infection and AIDS - the stage where a person’s immune system is seriously damaged and they may be unable to fend off serious infections, cancers, and other illnesses. Although special medicines to treat HIV have been developed, 70 percent of adults and 85 percent of children living with HIV lack access to much needed treatment.

Even though the transmission of HIV from an HIV-positive mother to her child can be avoided, 90 percent of the children living with HIV contracted the virus from their mothers.

World AIDS Day is an occasion to reflect on all these challenges as well as to reflect on the significance of HIV and AIDS for each and every one of us and especially for the Caritas Confederation which is called upon to serve the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our human community, including those living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

For me, HIV and AIDS means the little hands and faces of the children I have met, hugged and spent time with. AIDS is their smiles, but also their suffering. It is the sadness and despair of the mothers queuing at the Lea Toto center in Kariobanghi or at the Korogocho clinic in Kenya hoping for some help for their babies; it is the distress of young men who have no more energy left to work and support their loved ones. It is all the grandmothers taking care of their grandchildren orphaned due to AIDS.

The theme for World AIDS Day this year is “leadership”. Leadership highlights the discrepancy between the commitments made to halt the spread of HIV and the actions taken to implement such promises.

This theme makes me think of the many people working for Caritas and other Catholic organisations, who are leading the AIDS response: Ann, Jane and Montserrat from CAFOD, Fr. Anthony and Fr. John from Caritas Vietnam, Klemens from MMI, Hernan, Rebecca and Juan Bosco in Mexico, Bob with CI, Nina at Misereor, Maria and Encarna in Kenya, Deirdre, Caroline and Finola at Trocaire, Ana Isabel from Caritas El Salvador, Vincent from Uganda, Rabia from CMMB, Burchard from Missio, Claudia from Kindermissionswerk, Fr. Michael Czerny from Africa Jesuit AIDS Network, Sr. Donata from the Health Commission of the Unions of Superiors General, and Greg from CRS.

Today, I am grateful to all of them for their engagement, commitment and passion for fighting HIV and AIDS.

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