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NGO Proposal for UN Commission on Social Development February 27th, 2011
At the United Nations, members of Civil Society (CSO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) work hard to find better ways of promoting development, especially for those living in poverty. The OMI and Vivat International representatives are deeply involved in this process.
NGOs working at the UN have recently produced a document to tell governments of the world what they think does not work in their approach to development , as well as suggestions for what might promise much better results and help to eliminate extreme poverty in the world.
Read the NGO proposal developed for the 49th Session of the Commission for Social Development…
Background:
The Forty-Ninth session of the Commission for Social Development was held from Wednesday, 9, to Friday, 18 February 2011. Many Non-Governmental Organizations (including “OMI” and “VIVAT International”) are part of the Social Development Committee and the Sub-Committee on the Eradication of Poverty. The document referenced above was read by the Chairperson of the Committee at the opening session and has been officially received as a UN Document.
International Year of People of African Descent February 27th, 2011
On 18 December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning on 1 January 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent.
The Year aims at strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture.
The General Assembly encourages Member States, the specialized agencies of the United Nations system, within their respective mandates and existing resources, and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the Year.
Full text of the Resolution (Download PDF)
More information can be found on the UN website…
Click here to read more »
Recycle Paper – Save Trees February 27th, 2011
If everyone in the U.S. recycled their newspapers (including the comics), we would save 500,000 trees every week. We can recycle all kinds of paper, cereal boxes, note paper, bags, newspaper, etc.
These are some of the benefits of recycling paper:
- Conserves resources
- Prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants
- Saves energy
- Supplies valuable raw materials to industry
- Creates jobs
- Stimulates the growth of greener technologies
- Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators
Immigration Rally in Oblate Parishes in Los Angeles February 15th, 2011
On January 29th, at least 2000 people took to the streets of Pacoima, CA, in an organized, peaceful march for the rights of the undocumented and all immigrants. They carried American flags and signs, such as “Stop Ripping Families Apart” and “No to Deportation, Yes to Legalization” and “Dreams not Nightmares”.
The March was led by young Hispanic US military veterans, and then by children waving small flags from many other nations, representing the contributions of immigrants to our nation. These were followed by Aztec dancers and drumming, representing the indigenous roots of many. Many marchers were high school and college-age students who came here as children and who dream of a future as citizens.
The participants were from Mary Immaculate and Santa Rosa parishes, as well as from other parishes and civic organizations. The two-mile long march ended at Mary Immaculate where there was a rally and messages of encouragement given by the organizers and some local politicians to all those who are advocating a sensible reform of the current immigration laws and system.
The Oblates who participated in the March and in the prior organization of the March were John Curran, Porfirio Garcia, Antonio Ponce, Stan Zowada and Bill Antone.
“Achieving Social Protection for All”: UN World Day of Social Justice February 15th, 2011
“Social justice is more than an ethical imperative, it is a foundation for national stability and global prosperity. Equal opportunity, solidarity and respect for human rights — these are essential to unlocking the full productive potential of nations and peoples..”Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Message for the 2011 World Day of Social Justice
20 February 2011
In November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution 62/10 proclaiming 20 February as the World Day of Social Justice. The resolution calls on Member States to devote the day to the promotion of concrete activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development which was held in Copenhagen in 1995.
The pursuit of social justice for all is at the heart of the United Nations’ mission to promote development and human dignity. It is based on the principles of fairness, equality, respect for diversity, access to social protection, and the application of human rights in all spheres of life. For a large portion of the world’s people, however, social justice remains, as UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has noted, an “elusive dream”.
Presently, 80% of the global population does not enjoy a set of social guarantees that allow them to deal with life’s risks. Ensuring basic social protection for these people, many of whom are struggling just to survive, is a necessity. The notion of a Social Protection Floor is very clear: No one should live below a certain income level and everyone should be able to access at least basic health services, primary education, housing, water and sanitation and other essential services. The United Nations Social Protection Floor Initiative was launched in 2009 as a mechanism to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and also as an important factor in combating poverty, reducing inequalities and building social inclusion.
…from UN DPI&NGO Relations
