News Archives » United Nations
National Call-in Day on March 30 to End the Use of Cluster Bombs March 25th, 2009
When nearly 100 nations – including Britain, France, and Germany – gathered in early December to sign a global treaty banning cluster bombs, the U.S. was conspicuously absent. And yet, the U.S. has been the world’s biggest user of these weapons, which always end up killing more civilians than soldiers.
President Obama and Congress can fix U.S. policy. In fact, they have already started. In March, Congress passed a law permanently banning exports of nearly all U.S.-made cluster bombs.
Now we need Congress to act to prevent any further use by U.S. troops.
Call your senators on Monday, March 30 and ask them to co-sponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act, S. 416.
Learn more – click here to our Action Alert on the subject (with thanks to FCNL)
Sri Lanka: No Let-Up in Army Shelling of Civilians March 25th, 2009
Tamil Tigers Unwilling to Release Their Hold on 150,000 People
The Sri Lankan army, despite government denials, is indiscriminately shelling the “no-fire zone” in northern Sri Lanka where thousands of civilians are trapped by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday, citing new information from the region. More than 2,700 civilians have reportedly been killed over the last two months, and the number of casualties rises daily.
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The Spring 2009 issue of JPIC Report now available March 18th, 2009
The Spring issue of JPIC Report is now available, with hyperlinks to email addresses and websites mentioned in the text. (Download PDF)
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UN Assembly President Calls for Action to Bring the Marginalized into the Mainstream February 17th, 2009
Miguel D’Escoto, President of the UN General Assembly, stressed the need to recognize the rights of the marginalized and boost their inclusion in local and global financial structures, during the launch in New York of the first-ever World Day of Social Justice set for February 20.
A Prayer for Social Justice Day has been written by the USG/UISG Secretariat Commission for Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation in Rome.
The Prayer is available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.
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Darrell Rupiper, OMI – Requiescat in Pace February 12th, 2009
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved friend and colleague in the work for justice, Fr. Darrell Rupiper, omi. Darrell was a tireless advocate for the poor and passionate about preserving the integrity of God’s creation. In recent years, he led countless of individuals to a greater connection with God and nature through his Eco-Mission workshops. Memories of his consistent good humor and kindness will remain with us as we carry on in his absence. He passed away on February 10th.
“The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.” -Chief Luther Standing Bear
