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Oblates Join Broad Coalition in support of Massachusetts Congo Conflict Mineral Bill December 7th, 2011
The Missionary Oblate JPIC has joined a broad coalition supporting the Massachusetts Congo Conflict Minerals bill. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts introduced a bill that could make a significant difference in the lives of the people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
State Representative Martin J. Walsh (D) introduced the bill titled “An Act Relative to Congo Conflict Minerals”, (HD 04065). If passed, the Massachusetts Congo conflict minerals law would prohibit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from contracting with companies that do not comply with federal regulations for the certification of minerals originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Oblate Priest wins journalism award in the Philippines December 6th, 2011
Fr. Eduardo Vasquez, OMI (Photo credit: UCANews)
Father Eduardo Vasquez, OMI has been recognized by the US Embassy for his video documentary work. He was awarded the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship for Professional Development for his outstanding work in journalism. President Benigno Aquino presented the award at a ceremony in Makati City.
The US embassy instituted the fellowship in 1988 to commemorate Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino Jr’s accomplishments in journalism and public service, and to honor former president Corazon (Cory) Aquino’s contributions in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions. They were the parents of the current president.
Being recognized as a fellow also involves participation in a US exchange program — the International Visitor Leadership Program — which promotes international understanding through the exchange of information and ideas between people of the US and other countries.
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Zambian Oblate Bishop calls for Development in Western Zambia December 6th, 2011
Zambia’s Mongu Diocese Bishop Evan Chinyemba has called upon newly elected members of parliament (MP) from the area to respond to the challenges facing ordinary people. The Bishop outlined the development issues facing people, which include the need to build better schools, improve road infrastructure, rebuild health services and establish a safe water delivery system.
Bishop Chinyemba also addressed the issue of foreign investments. In these projects, local people have neither been consulted nor have they benefitted. He highlighted the need to review investments involved in cutting indigenous trees for export. Bishop Chinyemba also called for the urgent review of an investment agreement between the government Commission and private equity partners involved in managing the national park located near the Oblate parish of Kalabo.
When Times Are Tough, True Leaders Emerge December 2nd, 2011
Fr. Seamus Finn’s most recent blog on Huffington Post focuses on the need for “corporate leadership to find their voice in the conversation, re-evaluate their role in the economy and promote the social responsibility of the corporations that they lead.”
Intel Posts its White Paper on Conflict Minerals to the SEC website December 2nd, 2011
Socially responsible shareholders have applauded Intel Corporation for responding to their concerns and suggestions around conflict mineral policy and transparency. The Company agreed to post the company’s white paper “Intel’s Efforts to Achieve a ‘Conflict Free’ Supply Chain” to the SEC website last week.
Over the past several months, many shareholders affiliated with ICCR (including the Missionary Oblates) have pressed Intel to use its position as a sustainability leader to educate, and influence the marketplace on this issue. Being the first issuer to post a white paper on the SEC’s website is a significant step toward informing a broader audience of real progress being made by industry-wide and multi-stakeholder processes to bring an end to the bloodshed in the DRC minerals supply chain.
Read Intel’s White Paper on Conflict Minerals (PDF)
