News Archives » Resources
Sri Lanka: Women’s Insecurity in the North and East December 20th, 2011
The International Crisis Group has issued a new report that looks at the serious lack of security for women in the north and east of the country in the aftermath of the long civil war.
Sri Lanka: Women’s Insecurity in the North and East warns that the heavily militarized and centralized control of those areas – with almost exclusively male, Sinhalese security forces – creates serious problems for women’s safety, sense of security and ability to access assistance. According to the report, they have little control over their lives and no reliable institutions to which to turn. The ICG is concerned that the Sri Lankan government has mostly dismissed women’s security issues and exacerbated fears, while the international community has failed to appreciate and respond effectively to the challenges they face.
Click here to read more »
Investors Urge Senate Leadership to Allow Implementation of Clean Air Act Rules December 19th, 2011
Photo Credits: Likely Impact Congress Blocks Pollution Limit Updates
The Missionary Oblates joined thirty-two faith-based and socially responsible investors in a letter to the Senate leadership urging timely implementation of Clean Air Act rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most notably, the Cross State Air Pollution rule (CSAPR) and Mercury and Air Toxics rule (Utility MACT). Arguing that the proposed rules would create jobs and save lives, the investors added that, based on their discussions with electric utilities, the proposed rules would not threaten the reliability of the electric system.
Read the letter (Download PDF)…
Support Social Protection for All! December 15th, 2011
VIVAT members are strongly supporting the Social Protection Floor Initiative – a joint UN effort coordinated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and supported by numerous UN agencies, international NGOs, development banks and other development partners. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is a member of VIVAT.
In a world of growing inequality this floor is a necessary tool for eradicating poverty. It helps governments to build more inclusive national development plans, which put people at the center.
Please sign the petition in support of this initiative:
- Petition for Social Protection – English
- Piso de Protección Social – Espanol
- Assine a Carta – Portuges
- La Petition sur le Socle de Protection Sociale – Francais
Urge Congress to Extend Unemployment Insurance December 13th, 2011
Take Action Now!!
Millions of American families are relying on federal unemployment insurance in this tough economic climate. Nearly two million Americans will lose their unemployment insurance in January alone – and over 6 million in 2012 – if Congress lets the extension expire on December 31st.
Congress must act now to extend unemployment insurance. Tell your congressperson to renew the Federal Unemployment Insurance program through 2012.
Click here to read more »
Welcoming Christ in the Migrant: National Migration Week 2012 to be Celebrated January 8-14 December 12th, 2011
National Migration Week will be observed in dioceses around the country January 8-14. This year’s theme, “Welcoming Christ in the Migrant,” and the artistic renderings in the week’s materials depict the disciples welcoming a stranger on the road to Emmaus.
“Just as on the road to Emmaus, Christ’s disciples met him in the guise of a stranger, this year’s theme helps remind us that Christ makes himself present to each of us in the lonesome traveler, the newcomer, and the migrant,” said Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles. “We are called to open our hearts and provide hospitality to those in need, especially for migrants who find themselves far away from home and in vulnerable situations.” Archbishop Gomez is the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration.
Resources for National Migration Week can be found on the USCCB website. Posters, prayer cards and booklets can be ordered through the USCCB publishing service or by calling 800-235-8722.
Click here to read more »
