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UN Warns Governments to Respect the Rights of all Migrants October 1st, 2010
The Global Migration Group, which consists of twelve UN agencies, the World Bank and the International Organization for Migration, has a issued a warning to all governments to respect the rights of migrants – especially the millions of undocumented immigrants who are particularly vulnerable to abuse.
The inter-agency statement affirms the duties of governments to control border crossings, but stresses that this must be done in accordance with international human rights law. Global Migration Group is an inter-agency group which aims to promote the wider application of international and regional norms and better coordinated approaches regarding international migration.
Read the U.N statement on the Rights of Migrants (Download PDF)
The Oblate JPIC office welcomes this U.N statement protecting the rights of migrants. The issue of migration is experienced by Missionary Oblates serving around the world. At the local level, each Oblate community and region has developed its own initiatives to respond to migrants. Some of the programs are focused on pastoral care, joining interfaith action to support immigrants and advocacy initiatives.
Issues of migrants are closely monitored by the JPIC office and we engage at various levels to promote their rights. The office continues to engage the issue in the US, by supporting congressional actions for comprehensive immigration reform. At the international level, we encourage corporate initiatives to fight human trafficking and improve the rights of migrant labor in corporate supply chains.
United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals September 20th, 2010
Achieving universal primary education by 2015 is Goal 2 of the MDGs
Global leaders have gathered for the United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in New York which runs September 20-22. The world is watching to see if this summit will make serious progress towards achieving the eight MDG goals by 2015.
In September 2000, world leaders came together at United Nations Headquarters to adopt the United Nations Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and setting out a series of time-bound targets with a deadline of 2015. The goals adopted became known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The eight MDGs are broken down into 21 quantifiable targets that are, in turn, measured by 60 indicators.
1. Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty;
2. Achieve universal primary education;
3. Promote gender equality and empower women;
4. Reduce child mortality;
5. Improve maternal health;
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;
7. Ensure environmental sustainability;
8. Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
A calendar of side events at the United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals.
Watch Live the United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals.
JPIC Resource on Immigration Reform Now Available September 8th, 2010
A new booklet on Immigration Reform by the Oblate JPIC Immigration Network is now available. Designed to help and educate those in Oblate ministries about the issue of comprehensive immigration reform in the United States, it offers ideas about what you can do to make a difference. Learn more about U.S./Mexico border policy, voices of faith in Immigration reform and Comprehensive Immigration Reform talking points.
Comboni Press Network JPIC Calendar of Events September 1st, 2010
The Comboni Press Network issues a Calendar of Events on the first of each month, listing justice & peace-related events in the US and around the globe.
Read the September 2010 issue here. (Download PDF)
World Youth Conference in Mexico: August 23-28, 2010 August 23rd, 2010
The World Youth Conference opened today in Mexico City. It is an initiative of the Government of Mexico, in partnership with the United Nations system and civil society organizations designed to bring together government representatives and civil society organizations to identify priorities of action on youth to be addressed in the international development agenda beyond 2015. With five years to go before the deadline set by the international community to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, Mexico, in partnership with the United Nations system, has invited all countries to participate in the World Youth Conference 2010.
For more information please visit: http://www.youth2010.org/
