On Tuesday, 23 June 2020, both the US and British Ambassadors to the Holy See. Co-hosted an hourlong webinar entitled ‘Women Religious on the Frontlines,’ highlighting the selfless humanitarian efforts of sisters in every part of the world. 

Imelda Poole, IBVM, President RENATE, together with Comboni Sister Alicia Vacas and Sister Stan Terese Mumuni, shared their stories and experiences of continuing to work with the most vulnerable; care for abandoned children; work to alleviate poverty; provide health-care, food and care packages to the unemployed and destitute as well as helping victims of human trafficking.

To watch a recording of the full Symposium: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=280195259724005&ref=watch_permalink

Below is a selection of other records of the Symposium:- Once opened, you may need to scroll down through the link to locate the reports.

https://www.romereports.com/en/2020/06/23/religious-sisters-share-mission-reality-compassion-generosity-exhaustion-powerless/

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-africa/2020/06/nuns-in-africa-risk-hunger-during-coronavirus-epidemic-panel-hears/

https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2020/women-religious-honored-for-work-on-pandemics-front-lines.cfm

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/religious-sisters-risk-lives-to-rescue-the-vulnerable-amid-pandemic-29428

On 16 June 2020, Mirjam Beike, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity Good Shepherd (OLCGS) and member of RENATE Europe , delivered an oral statement on behalf of six NGOs,  at the resumed 43^rd Human Rights Council of the UN in Geneva, under item 8 of the Vienna Declaration- working to eliminate all forms of exploitation in trafficking of women.

The focus of the statement was on the urgency to End Demand; the criminalization of the exploitation of Prostitution; a demand that there be no punitive measures on women who have been prostituted and the prohibition of profit making by third parties in the running of brothels.

The statement which Mirjam managed to read in its entirety over the allocated 90 seconds of time, also included a call to ensure legal structures for Migration Policies as migration in its own right renders persons vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

Full recording at : https://www.facebook.com/GSIJP/videos/2588888498096618/

Towards a More Inclusive Society: Moving Forward in a World Marked by Unprecedented Change.

The Forum of Catholic inspired NGOs at the Council of Europe, share with us a report entitled ‘’Towards a more inclusive society,’’ as a means of providing an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on a fundamental for contemporary times. Ina time of increased and diverse forms of Human Trafficking and Exploitation, this report provides ample food for thought and the possibilities of ways forward for society as a whole, to collectively reassess its approaches towards the common good and the safekeeping of our brothers and sisters. 

The report covers a range of topics, from Human Rights, Health, Education, the concept of Family, Development, through to Youth and Migration.

Throughout, the concept of Inclusion is presented as a ‘’process’’ and not just a fact or a goal. It contributes to unity and well-being, a shared existence and a promise for future generations. The report concludes with the view that Inclusion is indeed a very strong driver and builds on shared responsibility: a horizontal and societal process involving all of humanity and through which cohesive dynamics between all persons are created.

Full report at: https://www.foruminternational.org 

E Bulletin 13 p RENATE Community Facebook Group (1)

RENATE E- Bulletin 12       June 2020.

20 Years After Implementing and Going Beyond the Palermo Protocol.

Webinar on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children 29-30 June 2020.

Participation at the webinar is free of charge, but registration is required.

The registration deadline is 19 June 2020.

To register, please use the following link:

https://bit.ly/36zNS0q

• Please be advised that the language of the Webinar will be English.

Council of Europe- Best Practices to help children recognise and report sex-abuse.

Despite COVID-19, we are hearing about increased incidences of exploitation and human trafficking of children and minors. This is mainly due to the increase in online activity as countless thousands resort to the internet, as a means of distraction during the times of lockdown and restrictions.   

An estimated one child in five is a victim of sexual abuse. In the majority of cases, the abuser is someone close to, and trusted by, the child. How can we prevent such abuse? How can we equip our children to be aware in the first instance and pre-empt their vulnerability to sexual abuse online and in person? 

In the link below, you will find a 12 minute video illustrating good practices in three member states of the Council of Europe: Iceland, Cyprus and France.

In Iceland, we see how children can be put at ease by a friendly environment which makes it easier to talk about abuse that has already taken place.

In Cyprus and France, representatives from the Council of Europe visit  schools to learn how children are taught to talk more freely on this sensitive subject.

(The Lanzarote Convention requires the criminalisation of all sexual offences against children). 

The Human Rights channel is a showcase for the Council of Europe’s extensive collection of videos & photo content on the themes of its core activities: Human Rights, Democracy and the rule of law.

http://www.coe.int/en/web/human-rights-channel/-/keep-me-safe?fbclid

Summer Symposium 2020

Invitation to join the annual Summer School and Rev Dr Carrie  Pemberton Ford, Director,  Cambridge Centre for Applied Research in Human Trafficking (CCARHT).

Five days of reflective practice and knowledge sharing, covering the following areas:

SDG’s, Trafficking and Climate; Education & Gender Equality; Children and Cyber; Decent Work; Partnerships.

Dates: 29 June – 3 July, 2020.

https://www.ccarhtevents.org

Due to COVID-19, this year’s programme will run via the Zoom online platform.

Imagine the reality of having to flee your home and belongings with little but your family and the shirt on your back, in order to escape war, persecution or terror. Imagine how desperate you would be to try to find a way out, a better life, for you and/or your family.

Imagine how opportune these situations and circumstances are for human traffickers, who ply their trade in persons, taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable. 

According to the  UN, there were 79.5 million forcibly displaced people by the end of 2019. Sadly, this number continues to increase.

To view a recording of refugees speaking about their experiences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=ax5f9KsGfv8&feature=emb_logo

These and other stories can be found here. 

Further information at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day

Tuesday 23 June, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

Keep this date in your diary as you can tune in to hear Imelda Poole, IBVM (President Religious Sisters in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation) and Sister Alicia Vacas (Provincial Superior, Comboni Sisters in Jerusalem) and Sister Stan Therese Mumuni (Superior General, Marian Sistersfor Eucharistic Love), share  about the work of women religious working against human trafficking, during this time of COVID-19.

Co-hosted by the US Ambassador to the Holy See, H.E Callista L Gingrich & H.E. Sally Axworthy, UK Ambassador to the Holy See (L to R in above photographs).

You can follow the symposium in real time via the US Embassy Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/holysee.usembassy/. 

A video recording will be posted at a later date, for people who were unable to join the live event.