United Nations
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate represents its members at the United Nations through its affiliation with UN Global Communications, Civil Society Unit and ECOSOC (Economic and Social 
Council of the UN) through VIVAT International. VIVAT International is a consortium of religious congregations which have joined to be recognized as one by ECOSOC. (The list of VIVAT’s members can be found at their website).
Our areas of work are mostly with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and at the United Nations (UN) in New York with the Economic ad Social Council (ECOSOC) sometimes with the General Assembly (GA) and more often with the question of Human Rights in Geneva (OHCHR).
Where applicable we also connect our work with United Nations international observances.
OMI and Vivat International are recognized as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) by the United Nations and we support the Sustainable Development Goals as a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Click here to read more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals: 2015-2030.
Although the United Nations is an international organization run by and representing nation states, there is an important role for
NGOs and civil society representatives. NGO representatives can participate in UN fora, submitting comments and organizing side events. They can be present at most open sessions and actively monitor the discussions. They have a voice in some formal sessions, such as the preparatory high level meetings convened on Financing for Development and are invited to participate in roundtables.
Frequent contact with country representatives and UN personnel give us the opportunity to bring to their attention the realities and perspectives of those around the world with whom we work. Often the information and experiences we are able to share are unique and deeply appreciated.
Fr. Daniel Leblanc, OMI also serves on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as Communications Secretary.
Fr. Daniel has been a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate since 1971. He is Canadian, but worked in Peru from 1978 until his appointment to the Oblates’ General Administration JPIC Office in April 2007. He represents the Oblate Congregation, recognized as an NGO at the United Nations, where he follows the work of the Commissions on Social Development, including the sub-committee on the eradication of poverty, Sustainable Development, the Forum on Indigenous Peoples, Financing for Development and Migration. In this work, he collaborates closely with VIVAT International.
During his thirty years in Peru, Daniel served as pastor of several parishes in the Diocese of Carabayllo (Lima) and in the high jungle. He worked on a variety of justice issues from assisting victims of terrorism to investigating mass graves and helping to bring perpetrators to justice. He also studied law at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). For many years, he was a member, as well as Chair, of the Latin American OMI Commission of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC).
- July 2018 Making Migration Work for All: The Global Compact for Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration
- 2017 World Peace Day
Theme: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All - Impact of Laudato si’ on United Nations’ deliberations
- Faiths for Forests Declaration
- Columbus Day-Indigenous Peoples Day
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