Newsletter No. 58 July-December, 2013 211 East 43 St, Suite 706, New York, New York 10017 Tel|Fax : +1 646-487-0003 Email: [email protected]

Board of Directors Maria Theresia, SSpS DEAR READERS, Heinz Kulüke, SVD Guy Mazola Mido, SVD Welcome to the 58th Online Issue Gervase Taratara, CSSp Carmen Bandeo,SSpS of the VIVAT Newsletter! Daisuke Narui, SVD Zita Resch, ASC We extend our warmest wishes to all of our members during this joyous and blessed time of year. Throughout this edition, we hope that you will enjoy stories from our Secretary members all around the world furthering the inspiring missions of peace and justice, Selvi Selva Rani,SSpS and spreading hope to all in need. Executive Administration Zelia Cordeiro, SSpS Our members commemorated World Food Day on October 16 by actively participat- Felix Jones, SVD ing in conferences at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) in Rome, where key stakeholders representing governments integrate numerous non- VIVAT Int’ Rep in Geneva governmental organizations into collaborative partnerships to address the issue of Edward Flynn, CSSp global hunger. Other members also share in this edition their work on mining and Contributed with this edition land rights in Latin America, and how they have elevated their work to include key John Turiano, John Paul Pezzi, faith leaders in the struggle. You will also read about our incredible members in the Leonard da Silva, Elizabeth Lanzi, Philippines who have been working tirelessly to help victims of the earthquake and John Converset, Dario Bossi, Daisuke Proof-reader typhoon that have devastated the lives of many regions in the country, as well as others Narui, Selvi Selva Rani, Zeina Shuhaibar in Bolivia advocating for children held illegitimately in detention, and still others in Translators India promoting the rights of the Dalits Christian population who are often the victims Juan Domingo Griffone, SCJ of widespread discrimination. Roberto Garcia Murcuego, SCJ Spanish Simone Petra Hanel, SSpS From all of us in VIVAT New York and Geneva, we wish you a blessed, peaceful Christmas! German Edni Gugelmin, SSpS Portuguese IN THIS ISSUE: Alain Martial Nguetsop, SCJ French World Food Day 2 Right to Water 7 Judy Cates Proof-reader 2014 Year of Family Farming 3 Typhoon Haiyan 8

Land Grabbing and Mining 4 Rights of Dalits 10 NEW YORK GENEVA +1 646 487 0003 +41 022 796 991 Executives at the Vatican VIVAT Workshop West Africa 11 5 [email protected] [email protected] Voices in Brazil 6 Longing for Peace 13

1 World Food Day - the Continuing Challenge of Hunger

This year on 16 October, 2013 World Food larly for us members of religious commu- and failures in the implementation of these Day was formally marked at the United nities as we struggle to determine the best policies and programs) of the CFS. Two Nations FAO (Food and Agriculture Or- ways for us to respond to the continuing other UN Agencies based in Rome, WFP ganization) headquarters in Rome. Pope scourge of hunger in the world and the (World Food Program) and IFAD (Interna- Francis sent a message to the Director ‘Zero Hunger Challenge’ that is now the tional Fund for Agricultural Development) General of FAO, Mr. Jose Graziano da official goal of FAO and the entire UN partner with FAO in the CFS. Silva on the occasion. His message was system. delivered to the entire gathering by the As the Representative of the ICR at FAO From 7-11 October, 2013 at FAO Head- Holy See’s Permanent Observer to FAO, Group of Religious Communities I am quarters in Rome, as the Representative of Archbishop Luigi Travaglino. active at all stages of these deliberations. As ICR at FAO Group I participated in the a participant and under the umbrella of the The Holy Father’s message began: “The entire week of the Committee on World CSM - Civil Society Mechanism set up by World Food Day places before us one of Food Security, CFS Session 40 Meeting. FAO to enable broad non-governmental the most serious challenges for humanity: VIVAT International represents a very sig- participation of voices in the preparation that of the tragic condition in which mil- nificant part of the some 20 men’s and and monitoring of FAO policies and Pro- lions of hungry and malnourished people women’s religious communities which grams I lend my voice to help pull together still live, among them many children….It is formed an Association called the ICR at key messages and strategies during the year a scandal that there is still hunger and mal- FAO Group and through it now sponsor a as part of the ongoing Working Groups on nutrition in the world. It is not just a ques- religious presence/impact at FAO. One various important issues. tion of responding to immediate emergen- major part of that activity is to participate cies, but of addressing together, in all areas, in the annual CFS Session. The CFS at The FAO Division of Partnerships, which a problem that challenges our personal and FAO is the key world-wide multilateral and deals with integrating non-governmental social consciences, to achieve a just and intergovernmental policy forum on food partnering groups like our ICR at FAO lasting solution.” No doubt having in mind and agriculture. There were nearly 750 Group into FAO’s overall work stressed to the searing images of the dramatic rescue participants, including more than 120 gov- me that they look to the ‘value-added’ that of lives of refugees in the Mediterranean ernment delegations, almost 100 civil soci- a Group like ours brings to the FAO table. I Sea – and often loss of life – and his own ety organizations and 50 private sector or- believe a strength we have is the sheer personal experience from his trip to ganizations (and NGOs are numerous number of our Congregation members Lampedusa, Pope Francis continued: “No among both civil society and private sector living at local village and local neighbor- one should be obliged to abandon his (or groups). All participants met together and hood levels throughout the world. I believe her) country and his (or her) own cultural interacted together. Since a major reform then my challenge with you in VIVAT and environment because of the lack of essen- of the CFS at FAO in 2009 all these our common challenge is to see how we tial means of subsistence.” groups, not just government delegations, can mobilize, organize our individual and are considered stakeholders and active par- collective voices to both take from FAO the The entire message of Pope Francis on ticipants in the full processes of developing policies and programs it formulates to help World Food Day is a fitting commentary for the policies and programs (and monitoring ‘eliminate hunger in our time’ and make the world community and perhaps particu- and evaluating the achievements, successes these known to ourselves and our people at

2 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL the local level and then to collect our International Year of the Family Farming (IYFF) members’ experience of how well the FAO programs and policies are actually The next year deserves special attention from all who work for the poor and struggle working at the local level to really bring against world hunger. It is the International Year of Family Farming. about the ‘elimination of hunger’ which is its goal. One of the most efficient ways of working for the poor and for those who face hunger Pope Francis, in his World Food Day mes- is to support food producers. Among these, there are the family farmers, responsible for sage, mentioned one theme that is a key 70% of human food in the world. The term “family farming" encompasses the full part always of our life and work. He said: range of food production on a small scale, employing mainly family labor: farmers, “we are already at the doors of the Inter- herders, fishers and food gatherers in forests. national Year (International Year of Fam- ily Farming-2014) that, by FAO’s initia- We all know the food crisis in the world and the hunger that still affects 840 million tive, will be dedicated to the rural people. We also know the difficulties of family farming in the face of the growth of family….The Catholic Church follows Agribusiness, control of agricultural inputs and seeds by a few multinational companies, this path with you…” I hope to work with and the increasing concentration of land in the hands of large landowners in Latin you in VIVAT in this coming year on America, Africa and Asia. Today several FAO’s officers recognize that for years, family these two challenges: awareness building farming was abandoned by governments, which today is being considered as the eco- of FAO’s policies and programs and nomic activity with the greatest potential to increase food supply and improve the living building awareness and supporting in par- ticular the International Year of Family conditions of the populations of rural areas that have become vulnerable. Farming mentioned by Pope Francis. The good news is that the UN declared 2014 the International Year of Family Farming. The The SOFI 2013 (State of Food Insecurity- enactment of this celebratory year is not a spontaneous grant from the governing bod- 2013) Report of FAO states that there are ies of the UN or the states which compose it, but the result of a long and intensive still some 836 million hungry in our awareness campaign, led by World Rural Forum, based in Spain, and backed by more world, down but not by that much from than three hundred international organizations. last year’s figure of 872 million hungry. The ‘Zero Hunger Challenge’ is our con- The objective of the IYFF is: To achieve specific policies that favor the recognition and development tinuing common challenge. of sustainable family farming nationally, regionally and internationally. VIVAT International supports this campaign. So that many more will have life. By Kenneth Thesing, MM ICR at FAO Group – Representative In the face of hunger and malnutrition in the world, we must raise awareness of the importance of fighting against hunger and promoting initiatives in favor of producing more food. "We know that Suggested actions: a peaceful world • make confreres, parishes, schools and social works in our care know this event; • disseminate the news release in social networks, in websites of the provinces, commu- cannot long exist, nities and parishes;

one-third rich and • contact organizations of farmers, fishermen and the like, groups of social economy two-thirds hungry." and local organizations that work for the poor, to get to know their initiatives and con- cerns, and offer support where necessary -Jimmy Carter By Claudio Weber SCJ

3 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Land Grabbing & the Impact of Large Scale Mining Projects Faith Leaders & Civil Society United for Resistance in latin America From 4 to 9 November, Lima hosted three CEHPRODEC from Honduras, and A meeting coordinated by Mining Watch, international events on the impact of large GRUFIDES from Perú, Justiça nos Trilhos a Canadian NGO, also took place in Lima, scale mining projects and the conflicts they from Brazil. From New York VIVAT In- bringing together leaders of 25 NGOs and are increasingly causing all over Central ternational, Franciscan International and social movements. In this forum partici- and South America due to deleterious ef- Mercy International were present, all of pants analyzed key aspects of large-scale fects on indigenous people and local com- which have special consultative status at multinational companies that are currently munities who are repressed when they seek the UN. Misereor from Germany which on the frontline of exploring, extracting to resist. has been supporting the Catholic Church and trading raw minerals in Latin Amer- in Latin America on mining issues was also ica. The first meeting gathered thirty religious represented. and lay people representing nine countries. The third meeting held in Lima was con- Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Upon conclusion, participants presented a vened by OCMAL, an international net- Argentina, Honduras, El Salvador and request to the Bishop’s Conference of Bra- work of social movements, organizations Guatemala are countries where local zil (CNBB)- represented in Lima by Bishop and community leaders, fighting against communities and indigenous people’s are Guilherme Antonio Werlang, President of the destructive impact of mining. The 5th increasingly becoming displaced as a result the Episcopal Commission for Charity, OCMAL biannual meeting was attended of land grabbing in relation to large scale Justice and Peace of CNBB - to organize a by 70 participants from nine countries in mining projects. Vital ecosystems are being broader and more inclusive Latin America Central and South America. Participants destroyed, and human rights violations meeting in 2014 on “Churches and Min- discussed the need to ensure that mining such as violent persecution and repression ing”. Furthermore, Fabio Ferreira, a Fran- induced conflicts are known internationally of human rights defenders are occurring. ciscan Minor Friar based in Rome indi- and that communities and human rights The meeting gathered both lay and relig- cated he would relate to the Vatican the defenders who are persecuted or at risk ious working in the countries affected to concerns discussed. Participants hope that because of their resistance work receive the share grassroots experiences from the Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Pontificial necessary support. communities they work in, from a human Commission for Justice and Peace will rights based approach. Participants sought meet with victims of mining operations While the meetings in Peru were underway, to identify and develop short and medium and call on religious congregations to participants learnt of the deaths of an- term strategies in response to the complex strengthen the existing efforts that they are other two human rights defenders in Ec- reality of large-scale mining projects. Both already undertaking at the grassroots level uador and Colombia that resulted from national and international NGOs were to accompany and assist victims of large violence carried out by mining companies present, including the Observatorio de Conflic- scale mining projects; these are the “new and Governments as they advocated for tos Mineros de América Latina (OCMAL), poor”. their communities. Read More

4 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Mining Towards the Common Good Days of Reflection with Mining Executives at the Vatican “A Breath of Fresh Air!” That is the com- tance of the suggestion and together they Church representatives. Enjoying the warm ment I hear most often from people here in planned for a Day of Reflection on June 7th hospitality of the Cardinal, we headed for a Rome who are attuned to the often unex- with the purpose of discussing a ‘better nearby restaurant to enjoy typical Roman pected but always interesting and challeng- way forward for the mining sector in build- cuisine and continue with our sharing. ing words and actions of Pope Francis. Is it ing relationships with communities’. possible that he has injected a new ‘gene’ This second Day of Reflection happened into the ‘genome’ of Church and Society, As a first step for dialogue, the Cardinal on Saturday, September 9, with over 20 inserting the gene of dialogue, goodness offered practical business principles that CEO’s of the world’s top mining compa- and transparency into Cardinals and busi- can guide everyone in the service of the nies and a dozen Church and religious nessmen of the extractive industries? And common good: “Leaders in the mining leaders. Participating industry leaders in- so it is that representatives of the Church sector are called to engage with the con- cluded CEOs of Newmont, Anglo Ameri- and of the mining industry held a meeting temporary economic, political, social and can, Rio Tinto. Representatives from at the Vatican’s Pontifical Council cham- cultural world. We hope to provide the ex- Catholic NGOs and clergy included Ox- bers, convened by Cardinal Peter Turkson ecutives, their employees, the investors, fam America’s president Ray Offenheiser on the theme “Mining towards the Com- subcontractors and all relevant stakeholders and Seamus Finn OMI of the Interfaith mon Good”. with practical principles that can guide Center on Corporate Responsibility, a theo- everyone in the service of the common logian who has been a leading shareholder I had asked myself: why would CEO’s of good, insisting on human dignity, equitable activist on mining issues. powerful corporations even want to be at distribution and sustainable development,” the Vatican, let alone enter into a discus- he said. Although on that date Pope Francis was sion with a Cardinal and Church people? leading a day of prayer and fasting to avert Yet, to quote one participant, a Day of Members of the Integrity of Creation the threat of a US military intervention in Reflection was exactly what we needed: Working Group (ICWG) and others were Syria, he realized the importance of the “It’s the first meeting I’ve attended where present along with the Cardinal’s staff. The event and took the time to meet with and we are able to talk together openly and group had organized a world-wide survey bless the participants in the hope that they frankly about our issues,” said one. Views of religious communities on the Impact of would be involved in a process guided by were expressed and slowly apprehensions Mining with regard to the following objec- moral principles to seek the common good fell, differences were resolved and cynicism tives: 1. Promote the common good of all. was overcome, to be replaced by growing through a more equitable distribution of The purpose of the gathering was to ‘cre- trust and dialogue. the benefits of mining and the elimination or reduction of harmful effects. 2. Benefit ate a harmony of interests involving inves- The CEO of AngloGold first suggested the local residents and assure their participa- tors, managers, workers, their families, the future of their children, preservation of the idea of a Conference at the Vatican to tion. 3. Contribute to the development of Cardinal Peter Turkson last January. Car- the peoples and countries in whose territory environment and contribution to world dinal Turkson is president of the Pontifical the natural resources are found. 4. Promote peace”. The last objective obviously refers Council for Justice and Peace (PCJP). A the legitimate interests of the mining com- to the many situations of conflict in which native of Ghana, he is used to arriving at pany and its shareholders. 5. Respect lim- the mining sector is involved. decisions by consensus through ‘palavers’ as ited natural resources and conserve the What next? The positive results obtained is customary among African leaders. He is environment. on both Days of Reflection enable us to endowed with a spirit of good-heartedness, hope that we have a template to organize an innate wisdom and a set of social skills The exchange proved promising and par- similar regional encounters so that con- that give him an approach all his own, ticipants readily agreed that this was a good structive dialogue may continue with all the quite different from the usual Western exercise. They decided to hold another Day stakeholders. model of inter-action with people to resolve of Reflection, this time involving a larger issues. He quickly recognized the impor- group of mining company executives and By Camille Piche OMI 5 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Voices in Brazil New Mining Code in Brazil Jeopardizes Human Rights

In recent years, the mining industry in erode the ability of indigenous peoples Brazil has exploded in size and output. to democratically participate in the From 2001 to 2011 production has law-making process. increased from 1.6 to 4.1 percent of On the national level, a conglomera- national GDP, establishing Brazil as the tion of stakeholders including leaders largest mineral producer in Latin of affected communities, NGOs, aca- America. The Brazilian Ministry of demics, and politicians organized to Mines and Energy predicts that this protest the bill’s fast-track designation growth will continue and that by 2030 and lack of human rights language. Brazil will be producing triple its cur- This group, which labeled itself The rent output. To facilitate this growth, National Committee for Defense of the Territories Against Mining, carried mining companies have expanded ag- out protests across Brazil. These protests, gressively across Brazil, with a particular as bureaucratic and not transparent. An which included occupying a central mall in focus on the undeveloped and resource-rich update of the legislation would produce the capital Brasilia and marches in many Amazon region. more effective regulation and higher tax smaller communities, mobilized thousands revenue for the Brazilian government. How- of citizens concerned about the harmful As experienced with other industries, the ever, the proposed bill also includes provi- effects of mining development. expansion of the mining industry across sions that would drastically erode the authority of indigenous tribes over their Brazil has led to conflict with indigenous Observing the danger posed by the pro- peoples already occupying the land. Con- own land. Specifically, complementary law posed Brazilian legislative overhaul and the tributing to this conflict, industrial-scale No. 227, proposed along with the new legis- outcry from the National Committee, VI- mining dangerously pollutes the local water lation, would eliminate indigenous claims to VAT acted to serve as a voice for local supply and ecosystem. Furthermore, mining land in “cases of relevant public interest”. groups in established human rights chan- companies often disregard the right of local This clause would clear the way for mining nels. In conjunction with partners both on landowners, such as indigenous tribes and companies to appropriate and exploit in- the ground and at the UN such as members afro-descendants, to give their consent to digenous land without the local community’s of the Mining Working Group, VIVAT pres- developers. This disregard for FPIC (Free, consent. With the inclusion of complemen- sured the Brazilian government through a Prior, and Informed Consent) is a clear vio- tary law No. 227, Brazil’s mining legislation variety of channels to both extend the civil lation of indigenous people’s human rights, overhaul poses a great threat to the coun- society consultation period and include enshrined in both the UN Declaration on try’s vulnerable indigenous populations. greater respect for the human rights of in- the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the digenous peoples in the proposed legislation. International Labor Convention No. 169, Finalizing the mining legislation this sum- The letter-writing campaign, part of the which Brazil ratified in 1989. mer, the Brazilian government has pushed larger outcry, led to the removal of the legis- the legislation forward at a breakneck pace lation’s fast track distinction. Subsequently, Unfortunately, new legislation in Brazil and allowed for little consultation with civil the package of regulations has remained at threatens to further erode the ability of a society or indigenous peoples. Despite nego- the committee level in the Brazilian parlia- wide variety of stakeholders such as indige- tiating with the mining industry for four ment and is expected to be voted on early nous communities, family farmers, and the years, the Brazilian government allotted next year. VIVAT and the national commit- urban poor to protect their rights. Since only 90 days, from July to October for civil tee in Brazil will continue to advocate for 2009, the Brazilian government has been in society consultations. In addition, the gov- the development of a just new code, ensur- closed negotiations with the mining industry ernment originally fast-tracked the legisla- ing that the outcome text includes a com- over a proposed overhaul of Brazilian min- tion, allowing the legislation to skip ahead to mitment to human rights and protection for ing regulations. The industry has criticized the top of the legislative agenda. This fast- the underrepresented communities threat- these regulations, which date back to 1967, track designation threatened to further ened by mining. 6 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL

Right to Water But there is no mention of such a right to lacked access to safe drinking water and water. At the time, the authors of the Cove- that 2.6 billion lacked access to basic sanita- It is more than a cliché to say that we hu- nant did not reflect on the right to water. tion”. mans depend on water. Human existence Yet, nature itself supports the contention The resolution of 2008 also established the could not be assured were it not for the that we have this right. We have a natural mandate of the ‘Special Rapporteur on the presence of water on our planet. When new right to water, a right that has to be re- human right to safe drinking water and planets are discovered in our universe, the spected and protected by all National Gov- sanitation’. This mechanism can be used to first question asked is: Does it have a source ernments around the globe. enable people who are deprived of water, to of water? In 1966 the international community elabo- In September of this year the people of The Resolution 64/292 ac- rated the right to food. Looking at Article Turkana region of Kenya received the good knowledges that clean drinking 11 of the International Convention on news that massive underground water re- Economic, Social and Cultural rights, we serves were discovered in their territory. water and sanitation are inte- see that this right to food is outlined. The This is one of the hottest, driest and poorest gral to the realization of all first paragraph from the relevant article regions of Kenya, and severe droughts are human rights. reads: frequent. gain access to this basic right. All informa- Article 11 With the discovery of two enormous under- tion on the mandate is available here: 1. The States Parties to the present Cove- ground lakes the fresh water supply for the http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/WaterA nant recognize the right of everyone to an people and cattle of the region has been ndSanitation/SRWater/Pages/SRWaterInd adequate standard of living for himself and assured for the next eighty years. Their ex.aspx his family, including adequate food, clothing right to access to safe drinking water can be and housing, and to the continuous im- assured. Often there is a difficulty to realize such provement of living conditions. The States rights, to move from policy to reality. To Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure In recent years a number of actions have help people turn this important human the realization of this right, recognizing to been taken within the UN on the issue of right into reality, the Special Rapporteur is this effect the essential importance of inter- water. The Human Rights Council adopted preparing a handbook on the meaning of national co-operation based on free con- a resolution in March 2008 on human the human right to water and sanitation, sent. rights and ‘access to safe drinking water and and its implementation. This will be ready http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInt sanitation’ and where deep concern was by September 2014. erest/Pages/CESCR.aspx expressed – “that over one billion people By Edward Flynn Cssp

“As human rights, all people, without discrimination, must have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, which is affordable, acceptable, available and safe,” Ms. de Albuquerque said. “States must continually take steps to ensure that access to these fundamental rights is guaranteed.” 7 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Twin Disasters in Southern Philippines First there was an earthquake then there was a super typhoon. Both were very de- structive. Both took so many lives and de- stroyed so many proper- ties. Both wreaked havoc on Mother Earth only three weeks apart.

The earthquake in Bo- hol island claimed more than 200 lives and knocked down century old churches, cut down strategic bridges, destroyed roads and tore down houses. With more than 6,000 after shocks, the trauma of the people never ends. Six weeks after, many people still live in shelters and tents outside their houses. Very slowly they try to reconstruct their live- lihood for daily food. Relief goods are now waning in favour of typhoon Haiyan vic- tims.

Typhoon Haiyan, on the other hand, far worse than the earthquake in Bohol, brought unfathomable suffering on the peo- Students, professionals and community ple. The fury of the wind and the surging people alike came to volunteer. water killed thousands and thousands. We will never know the exact number of lost Despite the twin disasters, all hope is not lives. Surely, it’s three or four times more lost for people who are reared to be resil- than what authorities have been telling the ient. People who have been used to man- public. Infrastructures, public and private made disasters are also bound to endure alike, were all razed to ground level. The natural calamities. The people will rise government estimates five years to rehabili- again. Given help, the people will move tate the areas hit by the typhoon. Leyte, a on. The urgent task of distributing emer- major source of electricity in neighbouring gency goods has been going on and be- islands including Bohol, may take six lieved to have reached most parts of the months to restore energy production. affected areas. Rehabilitation and recon- struction would be next. Public buildings The responses from those not affected by the have to be restored along side the houses typhoon have been so generous and fast. In of the people. The works are arduous and both disasters, donations in cash and in kind expensive for people who are not even came in droves. Many came not only from sure where to get their next meal but with abroad but from domestic sources as well. little help, these times of pain and suffer- Many also offered their talents and human ing would also pass by. By Eugene Docoy SVD power to process and distribute the goods. 8 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Children in Detention in Bolivia

Every day in Bolivia over development of a plan 1000 children under six- spelling out concrete ac- wake up in prisons for tions to ensure the pre- crimes they have not vention, protection and committed. In addition to accompaniment of chil- them, there are other mi- dren of detainees is ur- nors, adolescents and gent. He points to the youth living in detention fact that the establish- guilty only of falling ment of orientation and through the cracks of con- support services for fami- tradictory legislation and lies should be an urgent policy gaps. Bolivia ratified priority as “In the absence of the International Conven- a support programme or public What happens in the parent-child relationship in the prisons tion on the Rights of the policies, a monitoring system Child in 1989 and ten years overseeing its implementation or later enacted its “Código del Niño, Niña y tainees. The hostile environment they live some incentive, or support to the relatives enabling Adolescente (CNNA)”. The Law 2298 in often results in children adopting a de- them to assist children whose father or mother is “Ley de Ejecución Penal y Supervisión”, fensive and agressive behaviour and a very detained, children will end up abandoned, become however does not include any directives on different language from children living victims of violence or on the streets”. A woman children visiting parent detainees. Fur- “outside”. At the “Penal de San Pedro” in living in a detention centre in Miraflores, a thermore, it stipulates that children can Bolivia’s capital La Paz there are 2500 de- single parent of 7 children of whom she only live with their parents in detention up tainees and almost 300 children aged 0 to has no news since she entered the prison, to the age of six. National statistics show 15. Children are allowed to go in and out shared “In these circumstances the worst punish- though that in December 2012 there were the prison freely. They play in the deten- ment I am living through is being far from my chil- 1056 school aged children living in prisons tion courts and speak with detainees. Many dren, not being able to see them daily, not being able across the country. remain idle when volunteers are not to caress them, feed them or ensure they have clothes around. Tensions and conflicts are the daily to wear, this is my greatest suffering”. Through its “Pastoral Penitenciaria”, bread of life in detention, exposing them to members of VIVAT International in Bo- all sorts of information and risks under- Detainees and their spouses often point to livia seek to accompany detainees, their mining their safety and development. In- job loss, lack of resources and income spouses and children living in detention. stances of child abuse, emotional as well as opportunities for the spouses to be able to Volunteers provide services including coun- physical, including sexual abuse have oc- take care of their children if living outside seling, after-school support, orientation on curred. of prisons as well as the fear of the disin- health, nutrition, and disease prevention. tegration of the family unit as some the The presence of volunteers creates spaces At the national level the Government of main reasons for their situation. of interaction and engages the children in Bolivia indicates it wishes to keep children a way that breaks their daily routine at the away from prisons. However in the absence There is an urgent need to create special prisons. of clear policy the issue persists. Leonardo child protection measures and enabling Da Silva Costa, CSSp National Coordina- conditions for children to live in freedom Children attend schools close to the prisons tor of the pastoral care programme at de- outside of prisons while still maintaining and often recount being stigmatized by tention centers in Bolivia related to VIVAT their relationship with parents in detention. their classmates for being children of de- International office in New York that the 9 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Constitutional Rights of Dalits Christians Dalit Christians are constitutionally deprived of their rights

VIVAT International, India held a man Rights paradigm as an three day workshop, 12-14th Sep- emerging new religion in the world. tember 2013, on the theme: Con- He brought out the innate mean- stitutional Rights of Dalits Chris- ings of ‘rights’ and ‘human’. He tians and Rights of Migrants at said that to be human is to be cre- SVD Provincialate, Indore. It was ated in the image and likeness of organized by the founding mem- God. The most important and ef- bers of VIVAT International – Missionary Sisters Servants of the fective ministry we should partici- Holy Spirit (SSpS) and Society of pate in is the defense of people’s the Divine Word (SVD). God given human rights. At the Sixty-five members from the SSpS, end of his presentation Varghese SVD and OMI Communities par- indicated that we should seek to ticipated in this workshop. collaborate with International Hu- scheduled caste person can become a Chris- man Rights Agencies specially the Devasagayaraj, Bosco SJ, Michael SVD, and tian, a Christian can become a Hindu, Mus- Human Rights Council. Varghese Thekenath, SG were the resource lim or Buddhist. persons. Michael addressed the theme The action plan that emerged from the par- “Constitutional Rights of Dalit Christians” Bosco SJ briefed the participants on the his- ticipants is to: and highlighted the fact that while only tory of casteism in Christianity. He ex- 2.3% of the population in India is Christian plained the socio-economic condition of 1. Change any negative mindsets through about 80% of them are Dalits and Tribals. Dalit Christians in India elaborating the awareness, education, formation, ongoing He stressed that the Dalits who embraced discrimination and untouchability experi- formation and participation in various Christianity believed that in Christianity and enced by them even in the Church. Bosco movements to end discrimination and exclu- in the Church they would receive dignity also spoke on the constitutional safeguards sion. denied to them in Hindu society. Unfortu- for scheduled castes and explained how 2. Help others to view Dalits more positively nately, Dalit Christians continue to suffer the Dalit Christians are constitutionally de- through the formation and training of local same discrimination as in the past but now it prived of their rights. Additionally, the dis- community leaders. is not only from upper caste Hindus, but crimination experienced among Christians 3. Share information on the situations of also from the upper caste Christians, the within the church on the basis of caste was Dalit Christians and their struggles through State and the Church. one of the major points of discussions. He social networking, group mails and bulletins stressed that a change of mindset is neces- and fact sheets. This discrimination of Dalit Christians goes sary to enable Dalits to reclaim their dignity. 4. Document discrimination and share it against the Constitution of India. The There is a growing need for all to join the with the Bishops Conference of India, and founding fathers of the Constitution be- struggles of Dalits to make them feel re- VIVAT International. lieved that a modern India must be a free spected and accepted as equals. He also 5. Build up leaders through leadership train- India built on justice, equality, liberty, fra- highlighted the Church’s response and the ing programs. ternity, and secularism. They enshrined ways and means by which we can avail the 6. Provide quality education to Dalit Chris- these cardinal principles in our Constitution. constitutional rights to dalit Christians. tians. These pillars of our democracy are guaran- 7. Raise awareness through training pro- teed to all Citizens of India by Articles 14, Varghese Thekenath spoke on “Interna- grams, protest rallies, Sunday sermons etc. 15, 16 and 25 as fundamental rights. It is tional Human Rights Law and the Mission 8. Network with Dioceses, other faith tradi- understood that the Constitution gives free- of the Church”. He informed the partici- tions, NGOs and those committed to ending dom to anyone to change their faith. A pants of the new phenomenon of the Hu- discrimination of all kinds. By Roy Thomas SVD 10 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL

VIVAT International Workshop in Anglo- phone, West Africa

Members of five religious congregations from Nigeria and Ghana gathered together to participate in a VIVAT INTERNATIONAL Workshop for English-speaking West Africa. The workshop held in Ghana at the Divine Word Catholic Conference Centre in Ado- agyiri – Nsawam from the 1st to the 7th of December 2013 was a forum for the 46 religious men and women to reflect on the JPIC concerns of their countries and the role of VIVAT in helping to address these concerns. Two lay members of both the SVD and the CSSp also participated in the workshop.

The Religious Congregations from Ghana and Nigeria namely, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), Society of The Executive Team enlightened the group on the genesis of the Divine Word (SVD), Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp), VIVAT and its role on Advocacy in the national, interna- Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary (MSHR) and Missionary tional and UN levels. Sisters of the Holy Spirit (CSSp) enthusiastically deliberated on issues that cut across their ministries. The reports of the JPIC In their communiqué at the end of the workshop, the par- national/province coordinators including violations of human ticipants committed themselves to realize the values of the rights and the ecological crisis seriously facing both countries be- Kingdom through the Advocacy of VIVAT International. came urgent matters to be tackled not alone but as a network of They affirmed that VIVAT International is a practical tool congregations. in working for justice, peace and preservation of the integrity of creation. The participants reflected deeply on the Scriptural Foundations of “We recognize with deep sadness the violations of human Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), The Social Teach- rights in our countries. We are at this moment particularly ings of the Church, UN Declaration of Human Rights, Principles concerned about charcoal burning and witch camps in of Advocacy, and Culture & Violence: Challenge to Advocacy. The Ghana, and corruption/injustice in the educational sector VIVAT Executive Team took the participants through topics con- and water and sanitation issues in Nigeria. These impoverish cerning the nature, scope and functions of the United Nations the lives of our brothers and sisters and our ecosystem,” said Organization, the NGOs and other civil society groups. the group.

Additionally, they said “We believe that God created enough resources to serve everybody on earth. The abject poverty and injustice which our sisters and brothers are suffering from are results of structural problems created by human beings and can be addressed, trusting in God. In the same vein, we are facing an ecological crisis as a result of unbridled plundering of the natural resources of the Earth and the need is now more urgent than ever to make an option for life, preserve and protect our natural resources and biodiversity. We will support and promote sustainable development as an alternative.”

In their deliberations the group realized that building the kingdom of God is synonymous with creating a just society. They stated, “We are equally very conscious of our fragility on this faith journey. However, we are confident that we certainly have something to offer and we are committed to these issues for the next three years. We therefore give our hands in fellowship to the different Governments of our countries, the International community, other NGOs, women and men of good will to collaborate with us on this noble project."

In their plan of action the group firmly concluded that it has now become imperative to The theme of the workshop was have a VIVAT International branch in Ghana and a similar workshop and national office “Working for Justice, Promoting Peace and Preserving Lives” in Nigeria to give more energy to JPIC ministry in their countries. By Maria Vilma Espinosa SSpS 11 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL

Faith Leaders Commit Civil Disobedience for Immigration Reform

On 29th October a hundred people gath- the New York Immigration Coalition October, with over 180 events held in 150 ered in New York City outside the Varick and endorsed by 170 labor, business, cities in 40 states. One of the goals of Street Detention Center, where immigrant faith, grassroots and immigrant or- many of these actions was to apply pressure detainees are held awaiting deportation. ganizations from across the state. on House leadership to allow swift congres- The diverse crowd included legal and un- sional action, including a vote on immigra- The coalition is calling for an over- documented migrants, DREAMERS, faith tion reform. The long awaited reform is haul of the immigration system to leaders from various Christian denomina- expected to provide a path to citizenship for tions, representatives of civil society groups meet the needs of the economy and undocumented immigrants and protect and many ordinary people, all of whom keep families together. At the end of immigrants from deportation. took to the streets on a cold autumn morn- the rally in Varick Street 10 people commit- ing because of their a deep shared concern ted civil disobedience and were conse- During some of the speeches at the rally for the inhuman “limbo” situation in which quently arrested. Among them a Catholic the faith leaders present highlighted how too many immigrants in the US have been nun, a pastor and a Bishop who with the many immigrants and their families in their living for long periods of time. While the other immigration reform activists occupied own faith communities across the US are long awaited immigration reform remains the street blocking traffic at W. Houston St. victimized in their daily lives by the lack of stalled, countless immigrants are seeing near the immigration facility. Within min- an appropriate immigration system. It is their human rights being affected and the utes they were charged by the police for urgent that faith leaders continue to be the unity of their families impeded. disorderly conduct and taken away. voice of the voiceless and to speak out Through their action they expressed deep within and beyond their Church communi- A rally was convened by New Yorkers for commitment to just and humane immigra- ties to convey the plight of the many immi- Real Immigration Reform and its ally the tion reform. grants who are already making a significant Interfaith Network for Immigration Re- contribution to this country and whose form. The New Yorkers for Real Im- The civil disobedience action took place in cause must be made known. migration Reform campaign is a the context of a nation-wide escalation by statewide campaign coordinated by immigration advocates in the month of

VIVAT International: Mozambique and Brazil for Justice and Peace

On September 4-7, 2013, Comboni Missionaries and Comboni Sisters of Mozambique and Brazil who are responsible for the sector of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) held a seminar –open to other institutes and interested lay people – in the Mozam- bique city of Nampula, in order to share pastoral work experiences connected to the new forms of slavery. Dario Bossi, a Comboni mis- sionary from Brazil, spoke on the conflicts over land ownership and on the social and environmental impact of mining. Comboni Sr. Clara Torres Acevedo, with her experience of work in Mozambique and in South Africa, developed the topic of human trafficking, es- pecially where women and children are involved. The conclusion reached was that the JPIC pastoral, if it is going to be effective, must be done through networking at both the national and the international level. The Comboni Forum continues in the life and in the com- mitment of many brothers and sisters, dedicated to the cause of the Kingdom. Daniel Comboni continues to inspire the practice of lib- eration carried out by his missionaries. read more.

12 VIVAT INTERNATIONAL In our longing for Peace...

… we remember and celebrate God-with-Us! God is with us in our joys and our pains; … in our struggles and our accomplishments; God is with us in our dreams and disappointments; God is with us in our successes and our failures.

In our experiences of violence and compassion, fear and heroism, our trust is in this God-with-us.

As members of VIVAT International our hope for a better world is grounded in this trust.

Our efforts and courage to make a difference, to be a voice for the voiceless, are sustained by the presence of this God-with-us.

This is the message of Christmas, where a helpless infant proved too strong for the powers of violence and injustice. This Jesus, this God-with-Us, is the wellspring of our hope, joy, efforts, and longing for peace.

Blessed Christmas and peace-filled New Year to all!

Sr. Maria Theresia Hörnemann SSpS President of VIVAT International

Upcoming Events

January February March

January 6-10 February 3-7 March 20-21 Commission on the Status of Open Working Group on Sustainable De- Open Working Group on Sustainable De- Women, 58th session, velopment Goals, 7th session, New York velopment Goals, 8th session, New York New York

January 27 February 11-21 VIVAT Board Meeting, Rome February 2014: 52nd Session, Commission for Social Development, New York

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