February 2006

(Note registrations for other UN events now open. See below.)

 World Social Forum 2006 in Caracas- Ana María Martinez de Luco,CCV.  I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by UNANIMA International to participate in the World Social Forum.  Definitely it was a worth-while experience.  Around 70.000 people gathered in Caracas, Venzuela.  Some came as individuals others as delegates from organizations, but I could feel myself immersed in a real movement of social movements coming from all corners of The Americas, geared towards the same direction:  Another World is Possible if we all organize and move together in a concerted global effort against free trade, militarization and privatization, and in defense of natural resources and food sovereignty.  A clear rejection of a neo-liberal way to govern the world and the desire to recover a true, direct democracy were felt from all corners. Popular participation, the integration of all sectors taking into account the diversity of all peoples, but moving altogether towards a world in which all have a place and opportunities to live with dignity seem to be the way.  Everyone in this movement proclaimed that resources like water, land and energy, food, as well as biodiversity, belong to the people and are public goods, while they condemned the privatization of communications, health care and education.  I will soon be writing a more detailed report of this rich experience and post it on www.unanima-international.org .

 Gathering of UNANIMA International members in Venezuela.  On  22 January, more than 60 members of UI, mostly Associates in Mission and Vedruna lay members  gathered with Ana in Cagua, Venezuela.  They wanted to know more about UI and to search for ways to participate in systemic change and social transformation.  Their participation very lively and we ended by sharing abundant and delicious snacks, the contribution of the participants.  Special thanks to the Vedruna community of Bella Vista, Margarita, Marije, Trina, Jazmin and the rest of participants who made possible such a fruitful gathering.

 The next day, 23 January, the Latin American group of Vedrunas who were just starting their tertianship, together with the Latin American Vedruna novitiate community had a  reflection day  about UNANIMA International, the  UN, the Social Forum  and ways of  participating in their programs. All of us believe that a better world is possible if we all contribute letting God’s Spirit move each of us to fulfill our unique mission or role.

 CEDAW Success.  As a result of the leadership of Brigidine Sister Louise Cleary in Australia, Jennifer Burn and Georgina Costello brought to a successful conclusion months of work in preparing an alternative report on the issue of Human Trafficking to be presented the Committee to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).  On 16 January, Jennifer presented to the committee a history-making joint statement by NGOs from Thailand, Cambodia and Australia on the issues of trade, debt, and human trafficking.  The statement emphasized the need for governments, NGOs and others to cooperate internationally to bring to an end the exploitive practice of human trafficking.  On 23 January, Jennifer and Georgie presented the alternative NGO report on the situation of trafficking in Australia and on 30 January the Australian government presented its report and answered the questions of the committee of experts.  In between Jen and Georgie lobbied effectively with the experts.  They were pleased to hear all of their concerns echoed in the questions asked of Australia by the experts and they look forward to working cooperatively with the government on their return to Australia.

 Human Rights Concerns.  On 7 and 8 February, Pierrette Boissé, CND will be attending the 18th Annual Human Rights Consultations in Ottawa between Foreign Affairs Canada and Canadian non-governmental human rights organizations, for her own congregation and for UNANIMA International.  She will be bringing the concerns of the NGOs regarding the formation of the new Human Rights Council which would replace the largely discredited human rights commission.

 Commission on Social Development.   A large UNANIMA International delegation will be attending the annual meeting of the Commission on Social Development from 7-17 February at UN Headquarters.  Four of the delegation members from Asia will be presenting a parallel event in Conference Room D on Monday, 13 February.  If there are any members in the New York are who would like to attend this event, please contact Catherine Ferguson at fergcf@earthlink.net prior to 8 February to request a pass to enter the UN building for the event.

 (Note: Registration for the Commission on Sustainable Development 1-12 May on the Themes of Energy for Sustainable Development; Industrial Development; Air pollution/ Atmosphere; and Climate Change is now open.  Any UNANIMA International members wishing to register for this event should contact Catherine Ferguson fergcf@earthlink.net prior to 5 March 2006.

Registration for the Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 15-26 May 2006, on the theme of the indigenous perspective on the Millennium Development Goals is also open and any UI member wishing to participate should also contact Catherine prior to 5 March.)