Mr. Seán Goan, Scripture scholar, gently leads us to reflect and take time as we approach  Holy Week to unite together against the common foe which has the world in its grip.

We are being pushed to take stock and see  what it is again that makes us truly human and to draw closer to the great Healer, Friend and Saviour.

http:www.spiritan.ie/2012/index.php?id=699

PRESS RELEASE

THE HAGUE, 26 March 2020 – OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier has prepared recommendations for governments to consider in their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Based on the experience of his institution, the High Commissioner reminds the OSCE participating States that cohesive societies are strong societies. Zannier said: “As governments rush to introduce emergency measures, it is also vital that they remember to include the needs of everyone in society, including persons belonging to national minorities and other marginalized communities.” The High Commissioner reminded the OSCE participating States that he remains available to provide the expertise of his office in these unprecedented times. 

Uphold human rights

It is essential to ensure that persons belonging to national minorities are treated equally and enjoy basic human rights, especially to health and to accurate, easy-to-understand and timely information, without discrimination of any kind, at all times, including when introducing short-term emergency measures.

Be inclusive

It is in the interest of everyone that emergency measures do not inadvertently fail to encompass the needs of all groups in society. Governments should strive to consult with a wide range of social groups in the design and implementation of their responses. If specific groups indicate that their needs have not been met, adjust the measures to include them. This principle is also relevant for the recovery phase.

Be sensitive to language needs

States should provide basic services in the languages used by various communities as far as possible, especially in healthcare and in communications about the health crisis and official responses. People with limited knowledge of the official language(s) can become particularly vulnerable if they cannot understand what is expected from them. Distance learning programmes should accommodate the needs of all communities. Children belonging to minority groups should be able to continue learning in the official language, along with their mother tongue.

Protect the economically vulnerable

The economic repercussions of the crisis will hit those in precarious employment first and hardest. This includes guest workers, informal labourers and persons belonging to marginalized communities, including those with a minority background. There is a real risk that they may fall into poverty and social exclusion. Women, who often bear additional responsibilities in their households or are on the frontlines of healthcare provision, may also be disproportionally affected. This is especially the case for women from minority communities that may experience double discrimination.

Maintain zero tolerance for discrimination and xenophobia

Authorities need to be especially vigilant in monitoring and combatting instances of intolerance and xenophobia and other forms of “otherization” based on identity, ethnicity, language, religion or culture. In times of uncertainty, deeply rooted anxieties can rise to the surface. If states consider using surveillance technologies to track the spread of the virus, this should not target any groups disproportionally.

Build on positive examples to promote social cohesion

There have been many positive examples of inclusive communication among communities and measures that target all groups regardless of their background in the OSCE States. Zannier said: “Any examples of inclusivity in our approaches to this crisis are cause for optimism and are key for the health, stability and resilience of our societies.”

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: https://www.osce.org/hcnm/449170

Contacts:

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities

RENATE member Shawn Kohl, IJM Director for Eastern and Central Europe shares the good news of the IJM signing its first agreement to collaborate with the Romanian Government through the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ National Agency for Combatting Trafficking in Persons (ANITP).

ANITP is responsible for national trafficking prevention efforts, coordinating support to survivors and coordinating a wide array of activities critical to anti-trafficking efforts in Romania. The Director for ANITP, Maximilian-Axel Nicolae said at the signing, “I am very excited about this partnership and look forward to introducing IJM to all ANITP staff across the country.”

This is a critical first step for IJM in Romania and in Eastern Europe. It solidifies and formalizes IJM’s partnership with the Romanian Government to end human trafficking and to care for survivors. This agreement is the necessary first step for beginning collaborative efforts between the two parties for the protection of victims of trafficking.

Vulnerable Romanians are exploited in both labour and sex trafficking, within Romania itself and across borders into other European countries. Citizens in Western European countries often drive the demand for exploitation, and it is critical for all government and anti-trafficking actors to work holistically and across borders to eliminate the abuse.

Shawn Kohl, IJM Director for Eastern and Central Europe said “the Government of Romania, through ANITP, should be recognized and appreciated as it took another step to end trafficking in persons through its decision to work with IJM and build coalitions. We must have all hands on deck to end this scourge of our time and I am excited for this partnership to grow.”

More at: https://www.ijm.org/news/all-hands-on-deck-to-end-trafficking-in-romania?fbclid=IwAR0cfT-sQdXtMVbct6iLRxPj_VSKSvHcXDIDo1Q-6htw9E57Ce3_fB2x2qI

It is a special time for prayer and for witnessIng through practical solidarity and awareness, our responsibly to care for one another. This extraordinary time provides space for acts of generosity and expressions of gratitude especially to whose who are in the front line caring for the sick and those engaged in research projects searching for remedies, and those at work in the public services. No matter who they are or where they are, they should know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of sisters worldwide.

Sr. Jolanta Kafka rmi, UISG President

It is not possible to remain unaware and unresponsive to the harsh realities of child trafficking for labour and exploitation purposes in the cobalt mining industry, thanks to Lord Alton’s 11 March 2020 query of senior representatives of the CDC- the UK’s development finance institution- about reports that Auguste Mutombo, the Executive Director of Alternatives Plus, an NGO based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, being forced to flee the country after death threats.  (Alternative Plus works to improve conditions in the artisanal mining sector).

Following the injury and deaths of children working in the cobalt mines, Alternatives Plus launched a landmark legal action against Apple, Google, Dell, Microsoft and Tesla.

Lord Alton said there had been reports that 36,000 children are working in the DRC’s cobalt mines- used to power lithium batteries- and said that if UK funds were reaching companies in the supply chain that are in breach of the UK’s laws on modern day slavery and that the CDC should take action against them.

More at: https://davidalton.net/2020/03/12/general-sir-richard-barrons-kcb-cbe-gave-evidence-today-to-the-house-of-lords-international-relations-and-defence-select-committee-inquiry-into-sub-saharan-africa-he-said-that-local-populations-had/

And also at: https://davidalton.net/2020/03/12/child-labour-in-drcs-cobalt-mines-human-rights-activist-forced-to-flee-after-launching-a-legal-action-vs-against-tech-companies/

(1). An innovative approach towards Lenten reflection is the Daily Lenten reflection devised by the Claretian congregation which centres on the Sustainable Development goals with a focus on the planet:

Goal 6:- Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Goal 12:- Ensure sustainable consumption and production pattens.

Goal 13:- Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Goal 14:- Conserve and sustainably use the oceans , seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Goal 15:- Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Each of the above Goals is considered under the Claretian founder’s intentions ‘’to know, ‘’ ‘’to love,’’ and  ‘’to serve,’’  orienting us to implement the SDGs. 

Full resource available at:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12bFY1L-K0n43Yeo9npNRHgb7VL9Pt8g4/view?usp=drive_web

(2). The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns has created an equally helpful resource, entitled ‘’A Journey Towards Ecological Conversion. 

The resource is prefaced by a statement from Pope Francis in Laudato Si’  “We come to realize that a healthy relationship with creation is one dimension of overall personal conversion, which entails the recognition of our errors, sins, faults, and failures, and leads to heartfelt repentance and desire to change.” 

The Lenten Reflection Guide offers reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week’s scripture readings in light of the theme of ecological conversion and is available at:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aak3keTZeRXH4mdfqcMR42hOkqibSqMm/view?usp=drive_web