News Archives » Central America & the Caribbean
Prayer Service developed for the United Nations International Year of Forests – 2011 March 25th, 2011
The declaration of an International Year of Forests by the UN is expected to help cultivate an appreciation of the role of forests in conserving the strength and vitality of the planet, as well as achieving certain goals in global development, particularly those outlined in the Millennium Development Goals.
A special prayer service has been written for this purpose.
English version (Download PDF)
Spanish version (Download PDF)
For copies of the prayer in 18 languages go to: http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_21March
Mandate for Special Rapporteur on Water and Sanitation Adopted by UN HR Council March 25th, 2011
Winnemem Wintu Chief and Spiritual Leader Caleen Sisk-Franco discusses her village's sewer system with the U.N. Independent Expert Catarina de Albuquerque.
The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution this morning extending the mandate on the human right to safe water and sanitation for another three years, and changing the powers of the Independent Expert to that of a special rapporteur.
This is good news. The mandate will continue with Catarina de Albuquerque in the position of Special Rapporteur. In this position, she will have enhanced powers: in addition to assisting governments to define the scope and content of the rights, she can engage with governments about complaints from affected individuals, communities, and civil society organizations on issues related to and possible violations of the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Furthermore, the resolution explicitly states the full list of criteria for the human rights to water and sanitation. These are listed below:
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Earth Hour – March 26th – Join the Movement! March 25th, 2011
Join millions around the world and turn off your lights at 8:30 on Saturday night. Together, we can make a difference.
Delta Airlines Signs Tourism Code of Conduct March 11th, 2011
First Major Airline to Combat Global Child Trafficking
Delta Air Lines has become the first major airline in the world to enter the fight against the commercial sexual exploitation of children by signing the tourism Code of Conduct (The Code). The Code specifically focuses on the protection of children from sexual exploitation in the travel and tourism industries. While The Code has been signed by almost 1,000 travel industry members worldwide, Delta is the first U.S. air carrier and the third U.S. organization to sign.
ECPAT (a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies to protect sexually exploited children) has put forward the Code of Conduct as a joint venture with the tourism private sector to stop the trafficking of children.
Sister Valerie Heinonen of Mercy Investment Services (and long-time ICCR member) was instrumental in the creation of this new partnership with Delta Air Lines. ICCR members have been pressing companies in corporate dialogs to take action against child and sex trafficking for several years.
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Lenten Activities on Immigration Reform March 8th, 2011
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops invites you to pray, fast, learn, and advocate for just and humane immigration reform by committing to one or more of their suggested activities as part of your Lenten journey. Act in solidarity with immigrants and refugees by taking action with the Bishops’ 2011 Lenten Commitment for Reform.
Discouraged about the lack of progress towards immigration reform? Looking for suggestions for meaningful action? Please read the Bishops’ Lenten Commitment for Reform, and share this document widely.
