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Victory after Long Fight to Save Bangladeshi Indigenous Villages and Forest January 20th, 2010
The indigenous Khasi people of Bangladesh have won a significant victory after a long struggle to protect the forest on which they depend for their survival. The indigenous community organized against rampant logging from a local tea estate owner who had secured permission to log the forest allegedly through his political connections. Thousands of trees and many Khasi villages will be saved as a result.
The Oblates have been supportive of the efforts to protect the forest, with Fr. Joseph Gomes, OMI working closely with the Khasi people. APRA (Adibasi Poribesh Roskhya Andolon or Save Indigenous Environment Movement) of BAPA (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon or Bangladesh Environment Movement). Fr. Gomes was joined by Sharif Jamil, National Coordinator, APRA, Joint Secretary, BAPA in successfully arguing on behalf of the Khasi people before a government panel charged with investigating the logging controversy.
Why We Need a Consumer Watchdog January 19th, 2010
Americans for Financial Reform have a good video on why a consumer watchdog agency is so essential to our financial security.
Haitians in US Granted Temporary Protective Status January 15th, 2010
The Obama Administration late Friday afternoon announced the granting of Temporary Protective Status to undocumented Haitians currently living in the United States. This Protection is for a period of 18 months and will apply only to Haitians already in the US. The Administration had suspended deportations of Haitians immediately following the massive earthquake on Tuesday that devastated Port au Prince, the Haitian capital.
The Oblate JPIC Office welcomes this development. Thanks to everyone who responded to our Action Alert on this.
Click here to read more »
Climate Change Disproportionately Affects Poor Countries January 15th, 2010
Climate Change is affecting poor countries now and the problems will only get worse, but these countries are hardly in a position to cope. Bolivia, with its reliance on glacial melt for water for agriculture and human consumption, is a good example.
The People of Haiti Need your Help January 14th, 2010
Port au Prince is Devastated; Food Supplies are threatened elsewhere in Haiti
Most Oblates are believed safe, but news is still minimal.
Relief aid is urgently needed. Donatations are being accepted by the US Oblates – click here.
While the US is responding vigorously, policy changes are still needed.
– Official assistance needs to be in the form of grants, NOT loans.
– All of Haiti’s debts need to be cancelled;
– Temporary Protective Status (TPS)should be granted to undocumented Haitians in the US.
Learn more – Read our Action Alert on Haiti for more information and suggested action.
