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UN human rights chief condemns Pakistan assassination; urges reform of blasphemy laws March 3rd, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the death of Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, and wanted to share this condemnation of his assassination by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:(2 March 2011) – The High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, who is the second high profile public figure to have been killed since the beginning of the year apparently because of their opposition to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
Mr. Bhatti was killed when gunmen attacked his car in Islamabad on 2 March. On 4 January, the Governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was also assassinated in Islamabad by one of his own bodyguards, because of his opposition to the blasphemy laws, and in particular his call for a Christian woman, Asia Bibi, sentenced to death under those laws, to be pardoned.
“These murders are a tragedy for Pakistan and those who envision a future for the country centred on human rights,” the High Commissioner said. “I hope the Government of Pakistan will not only hold the killers to account, but reflect on how it can more effectively confront the extremism which is poisoning Pakistani society.”
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Conflict Minerals in Our Cell Phones, Laptops March 1st, 2011
According to a UN Panel of Experts and others the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being fueled by a multi-million dollar trade in minerals. The armed groups perpetuating this violence deal in five main minerals used in electronic products and found plentifully in eastern Congo – coltan, gold, tin, tungsten and tantalum.
To see where various electronics companies rank in using conflict-free minerals and to send them messages, go to Raise Hope for Congo (English only)
MARCH 9: Begin a Lenten Journey March 1st, 2011
The Marianists have developed a creative Lenten Program featuring 40 days and 40 Least Developed Countries. This program presents a rich opportunity to learn about people living in poverty and the health challenges they face in various countries around the world.
Look for the flags toward the bottom of the page indicating the different languages available on the site. Click on the language of your choice to read the description of this program. Then at the top left of the window, click on the calendar which each day offers a one-page focus on a particular country. If a page is missing, try again at a later date.
For English, go to http://www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=1
For French, go to http://www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=2
For Spanish, go to http://www.40ultimos.org/intro.php?idioma=3
March 8: International Day of Women March 1st, 2011
Each year on March 8 the United Nations and other global groups celebrate the gifts of women. This year the priority theme is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.” Celebrate the women in your life on this day. In some countries March 8 is a national holiday!
Best Practices from Oblate Parishes February 27th, 2011
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Laredo, TX
“Greens of Guadalupe”: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Laredo, Texas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas prides itself as a leader in promoting a healthy community environment. Greens of Guadalupe is a parish group at Our Lady of Guadalupe. The group is supported and led by members from the parish. Greens of Guadalupe at Our Lady of Guadalupe is an example of parish best practice organizing.
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