Marie Hélène Halligon, olcgs, RENATE delegate to the Conference of INGO’s at the Council of Europe, shares with us the above report issued September 2019.

This is an Activity Report, featuring items on the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of local and regional authorities, the European Court of Human Rights, the Human Rights Commissioner, the Council of Europe and External Relations, plus political advice regarding Human Rights and the Rule of Law, Democracy and Actions in the Field and more.

The chapter on the Conference of International non-Governmental Organisations (CoINGO’s) specifically relates to Civil Society’s voice in the Council of Europe  and the Voice of solidarity with European Civil Society. It is in this context that RENATE has representation at the table and has managed to ensure Human Trafficking is recognised at the CoINGO’s as an urgent concern for Civil Society.

We are grateful to Marie Helene and her continued commitment to ensuring Modern Slavery is to the fore at the Council.

“Many parts of Europe today face threats to freedom of expression, discrimination of minorities and vulnerable people as well as risks to independent judiciaries and the rule of law. New challenges are emerging, including new forms of slavery and exploitation and the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights. Together with our member states we are therefore reinforcing our organisation to be ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.” (Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe)

Full report available at :  https://edoc.coe.int/en/activity-report/7973-pdf-council-of-europe-highlights-2017.html

Additional information on the Conference of INGOs at: https://rm.coe.int/leaflet-conference-ingo-en/1680955aea

Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.

Ten RENATE members enjoyed a wonderful retreat at Mount St. Joseph Retreat House in Mosta, Malta. Fr. Paul Pace, sj, led the Retreat

While a report will follow in due course, we want to share with you some feedback best described as  ‘’words from the heart,’’ of one of the attendees!

‘’Just to say many thanks for the opportunity of our retreat in Malta.

I found it most inspiring as well as peaceful and thoughtful.

My only reserve is that I would have liked an additional day, but we did well with the three full days, so cannot look a ‘gift horse in the mouth’

Paul gave us enough food for thought with Scriptural references to last for much longer than 3 days!

Paul is an inspiring retreat-giver, who epitomises his surname, Pace in his character! His choice of Scriptural readings were thoughtful and meditative, appropriate for our work and in tune with all that is involved in the whole sorry mess of human trafficking.

The themes within the overall theme, for each day were hopeful, encouraging and positively inspiring.

You certainly chose a very apt person to lead us, obviously he is very much ‘in tune’ with the work of RENATE and human trafficking.

Retreats are seldom attuned specifically to the work one does, so that was a real bonus.

I was glad to be present.

Mount St Joseph’s is a good venue too and of course the weather adds to the whole experience, tho’ it was sometimes a little too hot to go walking in the afternoons. In the cool of the evenings, a welcome time!’’

Hoping the above will encourage more RENATE members to take up the opportunity to apply to attend next year’s retreat!

Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.