Pax Christi International Newsletter nr. 166 of 1 November 2007

Table of Contents

TRIENNIAL WORLD ASSEMBLY – Latest updates

1. Africa2. America’s & Caribbean3. Asia & Pacific4. Middle East5. Europe6. Disarmament & Demilitarisation7. Human Rights, the Rule of Law and Violent Conflict8. Human Security & Violent Conflict9. Conflict Transformation10. Peace Building11. Reconciliation Processes12. Education and Youth Work for Peace13. Nonviolent Social Change14. Interfaith and Intercultural Cooperation for Peace15. Developing Peace Spirituality and Theology16. International Advocacy & Campaigning17. Networking18. International Calendar

Triennial World Assembly: Pax Christi International

“Remember – Reaffirm – Renew: Acting together for Peace” was the theme and appeal of the Triennial World Assembly of Pax Christi International. The assembly took place in the cities of Torhout and Bruges, Belgium from the 30th of October to the 4th of November 2007. Over 100 delegates representing different Member Organisations from more than 50 countries across the world were in attendance. Participants reflected on the vision and mission of Pax Christi International on numerous global concerns. The assembly also gave participants a chance to discuss and agree upon a strategic framework for the Pax Christi Movement for the period of 2008- 2010.

Farewell Etienne De Jonghe

The Triennial World Assembly also provided delegates with an opportunity to bid a fond farewell to Etienne De Jonghe, who retired as Secretary General of Pax Christi International after 29 years of dedicated service. A number of formal messages of thanks and farewell were presented to Etienne during the TWA, including an official recognition from Church authorities.

Pax Christi International has grown considerably under Etienne’s leadership - from the relatively small number of national sections in existence when he assumed office to the worldwide network of Member Organisations which now define the movement. Etienne has been the dynamic force behind this transformation, assisted of course by a

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dedicated team of staff and international volunteers in Brussels, and especially by his wife, Magda Van Damme - all of whom have played a key part in bringing about such positive development.

On Sunday, 4th November, a special Eucharistic celebration was held at St. Salvators Cathedral, and was presided by the Bishop of Bruges, Msgr. Roger Vangheluwe, in concelebration with all the bishops present. In the afternoon, a Round Table entitled “Pax Christi: The Journey Continues!” was held at the Provincial Hof, followed by a goodbye party for Etienne in the evening.

Claudette Werleigh officially accepted her new responsibilities as Secretary General of Pax Christi International on the 3rd of November 2007. Claudette has been involved with the Pax Christi movement for many years.

New Presidency

The TWA was also an opportunity to for Pax Christi International to welcome Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo and Marie Dennis as the new Presidents of the movement. Their 3-year mandate as co-presidents begins with this TWA. H.B. Michel Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has been International President since June 1999.

New Members Executive Committee

A special word of welcome was given to the new members of the Executive Committee (Martha Iñes Romero, Colombia; Hans Kruijssen, the Netherlands; Kevin McBride, Aotearoa/New Zealand; Bishop Marc Stenger, France; Maria Luisa Da Silva Gregório Francisco, Portugal; Hana Nassif, Lebanon; and Katarina Kruhonja, Croatia). A word of thanks was addressed to the outgoing members of the ExCom in particular the outgoing President, H.B. Michel Sabbah.

New Vice Presidents

Loreta Castro from the Philippines, Laura Vargas from Peru and Bishop Kevin Dowling from South Africa were elected by the AGM as the new Vice Presidents of Pax Christi International.

Outcome of TWA

Participants discussed the Strategic Framework of Pax Christi International and identified major concerns and strategies which offer a guide to action on both the international as well as on the regional (continental) level.

Resolutions passed at the TWA

Resolutions were adopted on the urgent matters of Iraq (English 07-01109 and French 07-01109.fr) and Burma (English 07-01113 and French 07-01113.fr). Other issues reflected on Rwanda (French 07-01105 and English 07-01105.e); Conscientious Objection (English 07-01110); Peace and the Environment (French 07-01114 and English 07-0114.e); Economic Violence (French 07-01118 and English 07-01118.e);

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Endorsement of the UN Declaration on Rights of the Indigenous Peoples (English 07-0121 and French 07-01121.fr), and An appeal to the UN to include in the agenda of the 2008 General Assembly the discussion of Puerto Rico’s colonial situation (English 07-011126 and English 07-01126.es).

New Member Organisations

On the 29th of October 2007, the ExCom accepted three new member organisations: Family Mediation and Conciliation (FAMEC) in Kenya; Centre de Recherche et d’Action pour la Paix (CERAP) in the Ivory Cost; and the Lebanese Association for Civil Rights, Lebanon. This brings the total number of Member Organisations of Pax Christi International to 104.

Visit to Ypres and War Cemeteries

On Friday 2nd November (All Souls Day), participants visited the peace museum of Flanders Fields in Ypres and held meditation/prayers for peace at the different war cemeteries of World War I. The press release is available in English 07-01098 and French 07-01098.fr.

Obituary

We have heard the sad news of the passing away of Hans Anton Ederer who died on Wednesday 7th November 2007 at a hospital in Brugge, Belgium. His wife Monika was with him when he died. Hans Anton was with us on Sunday, 4th November to celebrate and to thank Etienne De Jonghe and Magda Van Damme. Hans Anton has been an active member in Pax Christi Austria and also in the regional group of Pax Christi in Graz. He participated in the European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu in early September 2007, and on the 26th of October 2007, he attended the beatification of Franz Jägerstätter in Linz, Austria. The International Secretariat of Pax Christi wants to offer its sincere condolences and Christian prayers. We pray that God will bless him with eternal life. May he rest in peace.

Messages from the Co-Presidents of Pax Christi International

Moved by the sad news of passing away of our brother and friend Anton, I offer to his wife Monika and the whole family as well as our friends of Pax Christi Austria my sincere and prayerful condolence. May God reward him eternal salvation and the peace for which he dedicated his life on earth.

L. Monsengwo PasinyaCo-President of PCI

I join Archbishop Monsengwo in sending my very deepest sympathy to the family of Hans Anton Ederer, especially to his wife, Monika.  I will remember Hans Anton, his family and all of Pax Christi Austria in prayer in the coming weeks. May God grant him eternal rest.

In Peace, Marie Dennis

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Co-President of PCI

Africa

Burundi President Honours IPI Leader’s Peace Work

President Pierre Nkurunziza has appointed Mussie Hailu as Honorary Ambassador-at-large of the Republic of Burundi, in order to promote peace, national reconciliation and development in Africa. Mussie Hailu is the Board chair for the Interfaith Peacebuilding Initiative (IPI), a Member Organisation in Ethiopia. For more information on IPI, please contact IPI@ethionet.et.

DRC Member Organisation Joins in Campaign against Death Penalty

Arche d’Alliance, a Member Organisation in DR Congo, is part of a national campaign to abolish the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Congolese association joined with others in Bukavu and Uvira in activities to commemorate the 10th of October, World Day against the Death Penalty. Conferences, radio programmes and other public educational events were planned in an effort to press the DRC government to declare a national moratorium on the use of capital punishment. The neighbouring country Rwanda abolished the death penalty in July this year. For more information, please write to archedalliance@yahoo.fr.

Sudan’s Oil Industry

The European Coalition on Oil in Sudan, ECOS, has produced a fact sheet with the latest information on the economy of Sudan's oil industry, which can now be accessed on the website www.ecosonline.org under the sections oil reports and news. PCI is a member of ECOS. For further information, please contact Egbert Wesselink at wesselink@ecosonline.org

America’s & Caribbean

Regional Elections in Haiti

The Executive Committee of the National Commission for Justice and Peace, a Member Organisation in Haiti, met from the 1st to the 5th of October 2007 in Port-au-Prince. The members represented the different regions of the country. The ExCom issued a press release on the 4th of October expressing concern over the possible institutional crisis which may occur by not proceeding towards elections for new assemblies and councils for the different regions. The press release is available in Creole and French, Ref: 07-01062.

Violations of Human Rights in Port-au-Prince Reported

The National Commission for Justice and Peace, Haiti, has also published a report of human rights violations in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. The report covers the period from July – September 2007 and is published mainly in Creole with a French summary. The report is addressed to the political authorities and to the police. The report is available in Creole and French, Ref: 07-01107.

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Activities of Pax Christi Port-au-Prince

Junior St Vil, Executive Director of Pax Christi in Haiti, attended Pax Christi International’s First Regional Consultation for Latin America held in Peru, in August 2007. Junior presented the history and activities of the Pax Christi group such as promoting peace through social projects and workshops with youth groups. He also explained the process of disarming, demobilisation and re-integration in his country. Read a short note in Ref: 07-01068.

Failing to comply with the IACHR recommendations on Msgr. Romero’s case

Eighty-two civil society organisations sent a letter to Msgr. Fernando Saenz Lacalle, President of the Bishops Conference of El Salvador, asking him to support the recommendations made by the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) to the Salvadoran government in 2000 regarding the case of Msgr. Oscar Romero (murdered in 1980). During a follow-up hearing in Washington D.C, on October 10th, the IACHR received a report from the Salvadoran government, and also a report presented by the petitioners: the Legal Protection Office of the Archdiocese of San Salvador – a Member Organisation– and CEJIL (Center for Justice and International Law). The Salvadoran State does not accept responsibility at all in this case and it has not complied with IACHR recommendations either. It is a matter of concern that, during the hearing, the government affirmed having conversations with diocesan authorities regarding the case. Please read the IACHR report (in English) at http://www.cidh.org/annualrep/99eng/merits/elsalvador11.481.htm. The letter of the civil society organisations is available at Ref: 07-01164.

Called Together to be Peacemakers

Pax Christi USA Bishop-President Gabino Zavala participated in the "Called Together to Be Peacemakers" conference on the 30th and 31st of July 2007. The Conference was a dialogue between Mennonites and Catholics at the University of Notre Dame. In his presentation entitled "Our Commitment to Peace," Bishop Gavala elevated the call to abolish war. For more information log on to: http://www.bridgefolk.net/theology/colloquia.php

Asia & Pacific

Another Religious Leader / Aid Worker Killed in Sri Lanka It is with deep sadness that we heard of the killing of Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pillai Pakiaranjith, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Mannar. He had been working to assist and protect internally displaced peoples (IDPs) in and around Mannar, as the District Coordinator of the international church agency Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). The Human Rights and Media Resource Center, a Member Organisation in Sri Lanka, has called for all parties involved in the violent conflict to respect international humanitarian law. The press release is available in Ref: 07-01031 and the letter to the President of Sri Lanka is available in Ref: 07-01058.

Challenges and Responses Pakistan

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In view of the prevailing situation in Pakistan, the National (Catholic) Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) and the Christian Study Centre (CSC), held a National Consultation entitled “Challenges and Responses – 2007” at Rawalpindi on the 2nd

and 3rd of October, 2007. The religious leadership of the Catholic Church of Pakistan, human rights activists, educationists and the representatives of the Christian community organisations were invited to participate in the consultation. The content of the consultation covered Religious extremism and response of the Churches / bodies; Democracy and General Elections – 2008 minorities’ perspective; Civil society in Pakistan; Blasphemy laws and Education reforms. NCJP is a Member Organisation in Pakistan.

NCJP Urges Pakistani Government to Take Steps to Curb Religious Extremism The NCJP in Pakistan has condemned the bomb attacks in Karachi that resulted in 139 casualties and several hundred injured during a welcome procession (18 th

October, 2007) for the former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. A joint statement issued on the 19th of October 2007 by Archbishop Lawrence J. Saldanha and Mr. Peter Jacob, Chairperson and Executive Secretary of NCJP said, “We strongly condemn this loss of innocent lives and express solidarity and condolences with the families of the deceased.” The press release is available in Ref: 07-01111.

Call for Immediate Withdrawal of Emergency in Pakistan

The world is holding its breath in view of the developments in Pakistan. There are fears that Pakistan may be heading towards a civil war. The International Peace Bureau, IPB, of which Pax Christi International is a member, has called for attention and actions from human rights and peace organisations all over the world. The IPB issued a statement, which is available in Ref: 07-01154. Claudette Werleigh, Secretary General of Pax Christi International, wrote a letter of concern to President General Pervez Musharraf to urge his government to abide by the rule of law and respect the bounds of the Constitution of Pakistan (read in Ref: 07-01153). An overview of the situation after the emergency has been prepared by the NCJP, a Member Organisation in Pakistan, which is available in Ref: 07-01155.

Control of the pro-Taliban militants’ increase as the government concentrates on crushing the voice of civil society Pro-Taliban militants took control of a police station, paramilitary forces camp, and other government buildings in Kalam on November 7th, extending their hold over Swat valley, as the government machinery carried out a crack down on the lawyers, human rights activists and the politicians of Pakistan. The NCJP issued an update on these developments, dated the 8th of November 2007, which is available in Ref: 07-01171.

Justice, Peace and Development in South Asia

The First ever South Asian Colloquium of the Commissions for Justice and Peace was held in Bangalore from the 16th to the 19th of September, 2007. The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Lopez Quintana inaugurated the Colloquium while the valedictory

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address was given by the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, His Eminence Cardinal Renato Martino. There were 70 delegates from the South Asian countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. The organiser of the meeting was the National Commission for Justice, Peace and Development, a Member Organisation in India. The report is available in Ref: 07-01041.

Article 9 in Japan

The Catholic Council for Justice and Peace, a Member Organisation in Japan, made an update of the international campaign and plea to peace loving people around the world to protect and keep Article 9 of Japan’s Peace Constitution. The government seeks to revise Article 9 in order to permit Japan to maintain de jure military forces to be dispatched anywhere in the world. Sr. Filo Hirota made a short presentation of the campaign at a Special Session on Disarmament held at Pax Christi International on the 5th of November 2007 in Brussels. More information is available in English in Ref: 07-01082, in Spanish in Ref: 07-01082.es and in French in Ref: 07-01082.fr.

The Courage of the People of Burma is an Example for our Leaders

Pax Christi Wallonie-Bruxelles, together with the Justice and Peace Commission and Entraide et Fraternité in Belgium, issued a press statement on the 16th of October 2007 concerning the brutal oppression of the nonviolent civilian protesters, amongst thousands of monks and nuns, by the military dictatorship in Burma/Myanmar. They regret that the international community is not putting enough pressure on the junta which continues being in power since 1962. The three NGOs are calling Belgian authorities to put pressure on the junta, and have appealed to some key countries such as India, Russia and China to condemn the dictatorships’ policies. The press release is available in French, Ref: 07-01093.

Middle East

Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum - PIEF

The core-group of PIEF met at the World Council of Churches in Geneva on the 17th and 18th of September 2007. PIEF intends to be an instrument that will bring about and coordinate new and existing church advocacy for peace. It is an expression of the churches’ commitment to inter-religious action for peace and justice that serves all the people in the region. The Forum is a participatory group of churches and organisations meeting, interacting and cooperating in order to further a common cause. PIEF is working on both, immediate-action oriented strategies and long-term transformative strategies pointing towards healing and reconciliation in the context of a just peace. Fr. Paul Lansu of the International Secretariat is member of the WCC core group, which will meet next in Jerusalem from the 16th to the 19th of January 2008. The PIEF Assembly is scheduled for December 2008. The Holy Land Co-ordination that brings together Roman Catholic bishops from North America and Europe will meet in the Holy Land from the 12th to the 17th of January 2008.

Seminar Hopes for Peace in Middle East

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The German section of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, EAPPI, is planning a seminar about the future and hopes for the Middle East, especially in Israel and Palestine. The seminar took place in the Katholische Akademie in Aachen, Germany, from the 2nd to the 4th of November 2007. Fuad Giacaman, Director of the Arab Educational Institute, a Member Organisation in Palestine, was one of the main speakers. Pax Christi Germany is part of the EAPPI. E-mail: gisela.koechig@bistumaachen.de

Open the Doors of Gaza!

In a press release issued on the 15th of October 2007, Pax Christi Flanders expressed concern over the extremely passive interest of the international community over the situation in the West Bank and Gaza. The USA is planning an international conference on Israel & Palestine in Annapolis, but the expectations for possible results are very limited. Pax Christi Flanders believes that the isolation of Hamas and the collective punishment against the Palestinians should be ended. Read more in Dutch, Ref: 07-01092.

Civil Peace Service in Palestine and Israel

From January 2008 onwards, Jochen Stoll from Pax Christi Diocese Rottenburg-Stuttgart (Germany) starts his Civil Peace Service in Palestine and Israel. The main task is to stimulate the inter-religious dialogue in the context of human rights and international law. Jochen works closely with member organisations of Pax Christi International in Palestine (Arab Educational Institute and the Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation in Bethlehem) as well as with the Rabbis for Human Rights in Israel. For more information please e-mail: paxchristi.rs@gaia.de

Diary Report of Pax Christi UK’s Visit to Israel and Palestine

Pat Gaffney, Secretary General, and Ann Farr, member of the Executive Committee of Pax Christi UK paid a visit to Israel and Palestine from the 1st to the 10th of October 2007. The purpose of this visit was primarily to renew contact with partners and friends in Bethlehem at the Arab Educational Institute. Their work has expanded with a new project, the Peace-Sumud House. They wanted to discover how Pax Christi UK might better cooperate with this work. In addition, Pat and Ann wanted to learn about the work of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, and of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (Pax Christi International – and a number of national Pax Christi sections support this programme) in order to better promote their work within the membership network and church groups in the UK. The Diary report is available in Ref: 07-01104.

Interfaith Fast to End Iraq War in USA

Religious leaders representing tens of millions of Americans stood in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and called religious communities of various traditions to a day of fasting and prayer to end the Iraq war on the 30th of September 2007. Members of Pax Christi USA participated. The press article is available in Ref: 07-01035.

Dialogue and Diplomacy with Iran Urgently Needed

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On the 3rd of November 2007, the Executive Committee of Pax Christi International issued a statement “Dialogue and Diplomacy with Iran Urgently Needed. Do not Rely on Military Solutions.” The statement is addressed to the Secretary General of the United Nations, to the President of the USA and to all Heads of States of the European Union. Read the statement in English in Ref: 07-01158 and in French in Ref: 07-01158. The International Peace Bureau, IPB, of which Pax Christi International is a member, also issued a statement. The IPB Statement can be found in Ref: 0701160. A “Statement of US Catholic Leaders in Iran” co-signed by Dave Robinson, Executive Director, and Jean Stokan, Policy Director of Pax Christi USA, is also available in Ref: 07-01167.

Europe

Pax Christi Ireland

Pax Christi’s annual peace mass took place on the 30th of September 2007, close to the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Work continues on a variety of issues including armaments matters and Northern Ireland. The annual retreat took place on the 21st of October. There will be an Advent Mass on Sunday 2nd December in the Good Shepherd Church, in Dublin for UN Human Rights Day.

Health Care and Undocumented Migrants

The Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), with the support of Eurocities, held a two-day conference on the 28th and 29th of June 2007 in Brussels, Belgium. The conference focussed on access to health care for undocumented migrants in Europe. The conference brought together nearly 200 participants which included representatives of NGOs, local authorities, health care providers, policy makers, researchers, undocumented migrants, and other actors to share experiences and discuss ways to address the problems associated with insufficient access to health care services for undocumented migrants. Pax Christi International is a member of the PICUM Coalition. Read the report of the conference at www.picum.org.

Remember Anna Politkovskaja in Russia

On the 16th of October 2007, Pax Christi Flanders participated in a commemorative event in Brussels in honour of the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaja, who was killed one year ago. Anna fearlessly reported about the violations of human rights in Chechnya and her killing is seen as a political murder. Read more about this Dutch in Ref: 07-01066.

Alfons Erb Anniversary in Germany

Johannes Schnettler, Vice President of Pax Christi Germany, issued a statement on the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Alfons Erb, one of the founding fathers of Pax Christi Germany. Alfons has been Vice President of Pax Christi Germany from 1957 till 1970 and Vice President of Pax Christi International from 1965 till 1971. Alfons Erb became a pioneer for peace and reconciliation in the period after the Second World War in Germany. He also became one of the founders of Misereor, the Third

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World Aid Organisation of the Catholic Church in Germany. More information is available in German, Ref: 07-01148.

Disarmament and Demilitarisation

Survivors and States Join Forces against Cluster Bombs

Cluster bomb survivors gathered in Serbia during the first week of October to ensure their rights were at the heart of international efforts to ban the weapon by 2008. Twenty-two of the 26 affected states participated in the Belgrade Conference of States Affected by Cluster Munitions, the latest development in the Oslo Process for a new treaty banning these weapons, which has gathered the support of 82 countries in just seven months. The Cluster Munition Coalition, CMC, of which Pax Christi International is a member, made a statement and issued a press release on the 4th of October 2007. The statement is available in Ref: 07-01054.

Global Day of Action Against Cluster Bombs

The toolkit for the Global Day of Action to Ban Cluster Bombs on the 5th of November 2007 is now online and available at the following link: http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/dokumenti/dokument.asp?id=152 The toolkit contains some ideas and suggestions for activities and events, including an idea for a campaign slogan: CLUSTER BOMBS CAN BE BANNED: MAKE IT HAPPEN. This is an idea and general framework for action on this day, but is by no means the only way to participate. Feel free to adapt and use these ideas as you think is appropriate to your national campaigning work on the Global Day of Action and on an ongoing basis. The main aim for the day is to get media coverage of the campaign, specifically focusing on the Vienna conference which will take place exactly one month after the Global Day of Action. Pax Christi International, member of the Cluster Munitions Coalition, would like to call upon all of its Member Organisations worldwide to participate in this Global Day of Action.

Geneva Briefing: Addressing the Humanitarian Impact of Cluster Munitions

The Geneva Forum and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines co-organised a forum on the 9th of October 2007 in Geneva entitled “Addressing the Humanitarian Impact of Cluster Munitions.” The event sought to inform states that were outside of, or new to, the Oslo Process on cluster munitions about the extent of the cluster munitions problem, the political activities that have occurred to date to address the problem, and the plans in place for developing a new treaty on cluster munitions. Speakers included representatives of three affected states – Lebanon, Serbia, and Uganda – as well as some of the leading experts on cluster munitions. The audience included representatives of the Geneva Missions to the United Nations from over 20 states, plus representatives from UN agencies and civil society in Geneva.

Cluster Munition Coalition coordinator Thomas Nash provided participants with a thorough background on cluster munitions, including for what military purposes they were originally designed, how they have been used in past conflicts, and the potential threat from states’ stockpiles around the world. The briefing ended with a set of

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presentations on the next steps in the Oslo Process. The next international meeting of the Oslo Process will take place in Vienna from the 5th to the 7th of December 2007. Pax Christi International is a member of both the Cluster Munitions Coalition, CMC, as well as with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. On the 7th of November 2007, the CMC made a statement at the “2007 Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.” The statement is available in Ref: 07-01170.

Change Strategy in Afghanistan!

Different member states of NATO including Germany are involved in the NATO operations, ISAF, in Afghanistan. The discussion about possible renewing of the German military commitment within ISAF is taking place in the German Parliament. NATO is in Afghanistan since October 2001 and no fundamental change for the better took place. The operation Enduring Freedom does not respond to the expectations of the Afghan people. In a press release issued on the 10th of October 2007, Dr. Reinhard Voss, Secretary General of Pax Christi Germany, is urging for more civilian contributions in these kinds of operations. Civil peace services in Afghanistan for instance should be strongly supported by the German government. More information is available in German in Ref: 07-01063.

Armament or Disarmament?

On the 8th of November 2008, Pax Christi Wallonie-Bruxelles held a study session on the issue of “Armament or Disarmament? Dilemma’s and Dialectics.” The two main speakers were General Coelmont, Permanent Military Representative at the Military Comite of the European Union, and Federico Santopinfo, researcher with the Groupe de Recherches et d’Informations sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP). The session was moderated by Ignace Berten of Espace. More information is available at: www.paxchristiwb.be

Human Rights, the Rule of Law and Violent Conflict

Human Rights Council Geneva

Enrique Sierra and Paul Lansu attended the NGO debriefing session to the 6th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on the 28th of September 2007. The HRC held its 5th Special Session on the 2nd of October 2007 on “The Human Rights Situation in Myanmar”. There was an open-ended informative consultation before that session took place on the 1st of October 2007. The letter of Pax Christi International to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the 27th of September was forwarded to the Human Rights Council as well. Read more in Ref: 07-01026. More information about this Special Session is available at http://www.ishr.ch/hrm/council/

Human Dignity and Humanitarian Law and Role of Religions in Rome

The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, in conjunction with the Congregation for Bishops, the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity held a two-day seminar on the issue of “Human Dignity and Humanitarian Law: the Role of Religions”. The seminar took

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place in Rome, at the Palazzo San Calisto on the 12th and 13th of October 2007. The different sub-themes were related to “Humanitarian law and the contemporary world”, “Human dignity and war”, and “The cooperation between religions and civil society.” Fr. Paul Lansu of the International Secretariat attended the seminar. The press release is available in Ref: 07-01095.

Human Security & Violent Conflict

Books or Bombs?

The International Peace Bureau, IPB, of which Pax Christi International is a member, will hold its annual seminar in Alexandria, Egypt on the 11th and 12th of November 2007, on the issue of “Sustainable Disarmament for Sustainable Development.” More details of the programme are available at the website www.ipb.org. Linked to this seminar is the ExCom on the10th of November and the annual IPB Council meeting on the 13th of November 2007. Etienne De Jonghe, former Secretary General of Pax Christi International will attend. Paul Lansu of the International Secretariat attended the IPB ExCom meetings in Geneva from the 28th to the 30th of September 2007.

IPB Award for Disarmament Diplomat

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) awarded the organisation's annual Peace Prize to Jayantha Dhanapala, a highly-respected Sri Lankan diplomat, who has devoted his career to disarmament and global justice. The award was presented during the international seminar entitled Books or Bombs? Sustainable Disarmament for Sustainable Development. This seminar was held in collaboration with the Institute of Peace Studies at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina on the 11th and 12th of November 2007. More information is available on the website www.ipb.org

No Solution to Climate Change without Reclaiming Resources Spent on the Military

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) of which Pax Christi International is a member, issued a press release to congratulate the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change and Al Gore on the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. The IPB makes the link between climate change and military spending. IPB also issued a paper “A Climate of War.” More information is available on the new website www.ipb.org

Peace Building

UNESCO Paris

The 34th General Assembly of UNESCO took place in Paris from the 16th of October to the 3rd of November 2007. NGOs with a consultative status were invited. Pax Christi International was represented by Colette Petit and Alain Thellier de Poncheville. The International Catholic NGOs (CCIC) met on the 13th of September in order to prepare for the General Assembly. The session was moderated by Colette Petit. The next CCIC meeting will be on the 15th of November 2007.

PeaceNet meeting at the Pax Christi International Office in Brussels

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Pax Christi International hosted the yearly meeting of the PeaceNet-work on the 5th of October 2007. Representatives from the Life and Peace Institute, Aprodev, EED, Cordaid, Church of Sweden, FCA, CIDSE and Pax Christi International exchanged information on their current work and discussed the EU policy towards Southern Sudan (based on an introduction of the findings of a research initiated by Aprodev). In the afternoon Mr. Van Bellingen and Mr. Byrne from the European Commission explained the new established Stability Framework as well as the Peacebuilding Partnership as two instruments of the EU to deal with conflict prevention. Claudette Werleigh, Etienne De Jonghe and Jos De la Haye of the International Secretariat attended.

Interfaith and Intercultural Cooperation for Peace

On the 31st of October 2007, Colette Petit, representative of Pax Christi International, made an oral intervention at the General Conference of the UNESCO taking place in Paris. The statement dealt with the actions of Pax Christi International in support of a dialogue among different cultures. Different examples of actions for peace in the different continents were mentioned. The statement is available in French in Ref: 07-01152.

Developing Peace Spirituality and Theology

Beatification of Franz Jägerstätter in Austria

The beatification of Franz Jägerstätter took place on the 26th of October 2007 in Linz, Austria. Many friends from Pax Christi Austria, UK, USA, Ireland, Italy and Germany, as well as from other Member Organisations attended the different events organised in conjunction with this beatification. A background article is available in German in Ref: 07-01106. The press release from Pax Christi UK is available in Ref: 07-01112; from Pax Christi Italy in Ref: 07-01130, and from Pax Christi Germany in Ref: 07-01120.

Advent Prayers Pax Christi USA

Last year during the first week of Advent, Pax Christi USA Bishop-President Gabino Zavala, in a homily given at the Catholic University of America, said: "I would offer that our presence in Iraq has long passed a capacity to contribute anything positive. Our 140,000 troops in Iraq are unable to stop the deepening spiral of violence. Last week we witnessed the bloodiest attacks since the U.S. invasion almost 4 years ago. It is time to bring our occupation of Iraq to an end."

Sadly, we are still waiting for peace to be born into our world, especially in Iraq. This Advent offers us the time and space to pray, study, and act for peace and to connect our witness with the natural cycle of our church year. Advent signifies a time of new beginnings. Let us make this Advent truly a new beginning - the dawning of peace in Iraq and throughout the world.

Pax Christi USA provides resources for prayer, study and action throughout the Advent season. Please look for more Advent program information on the Rapid

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Response Network and new additions to the website throughout November and December. More information is available at www.paxchristiusa.org

Marie Dennis awarded by the Franciscan Missionary Service of North America

On the 13th of October 2007 the Franciscan Missionary Service of North America (FMS) presented Marie Dennis, Co-President of Pax Christi International, its 3 rd

Annual Award. This award is named after Fr. Anselm Moons ofm, Dutch Franciscan founder of the FMS in 1989. The award was created to recognise an individual who exemplifies the organisation’s mission. Marie exemplifies one of Fr. Anselm’s principal objectives in founding FMS: Reverse Mission. He was convinced that the missionary task of the church extends not only to impoverished areas of the world but to places of power, affluence and privilege as well. Marie has spent the major part of her life living that vision. After receiving the award, Marie shared some reflections with those present, titled “Mission and the Community of Life”. This can be read in Ref: 07-01165.

International Calendar

30 Oct – 3 Nov 2007 Triennial World AssemblyPax Christi International

Torhout Belgium

greet@paxchristi.net

2 – 4 Nov 2007 Israel Palestine Seminar Pax Christi Germany

Aachen Germany

c.weber@paxchristi.de

4 Nov 2007 Celebratory Day Pax Christi International “The Journey Continues”

Bruges Belgium

greet@paxchristi.net

5 Nov 2007 Global Day of Action Ban Cluster Bombs

Global www.stopclustermunitions.org

5 Nov 2007 Session on Disarmament and Demilitarisation Pax Christi International

Brussels paul@paxchristi.net

5 – 6 Nov 2007 Seminar on Human Security with Social Alert

Brussels jos@paxchristi.net

5 – 6 Nov 2007 Seminar Human Security from Bellow and Radicalisation IKV/Pax Christi Netherlands and Pax Christi International

Brussels jjvanoosterzee@ikv.nl michael@paxchristi.net

9 Nov 2007 International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism

Global wwwunitedagainstracism.org

10 – 11 Nov 2007 3rd Route for Peace Pax Lille routedelapaix@gmail.com

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Christi France France11 – 12 Nov 2007 IPB Seminar

Disarmament for Development: “Books or Bombs?”

Alexandria Egypt

www.ipb.org

13 Nov 2007 IPB Council and ExCom

Alexandria Egypt

www.ipb.org

13 Nov 2007 Study Day 40 Years Populorum Progressio

Leuven Belgium

www.rechtvaardigheidenvrede.be

16 – 18 Nov 2007 Study Days on Constructive Alternatives for Violence Pax Christi Flanders

Kortenberg Belgium

www.paxchristi.be

16 – 18 Nov 2007 82nd Social Week France

Paris www.ssf-fr.org

18 – 22 Nov 2007 8th Meeting of State Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty

Amman Jordan

www.icbl.org/campaign/calendar

19 Nov 2007 World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse

Global www.woman.ch

21 Nov 2007 Celebration Franz Jägerstätter Pax Christi UK

London UK

www.paxchristi.org.uk

22 – 24 Nov 2007 International Conference Populorum Progressio and Sollicitudo rei socialis Pontifical Council Justice and Peace

Rome Italy

E-mail: pcjustpax@justpeace.va

23 – 25 Nov 2007 General Assembly Pax Christi Aotearoa – New Zealand

New Zealand

kevinm@cda.org.nz or paxnz@xtra.co.nz

24 Nov 2007 General Assembly Pax Christi Flanders

Antwerp Belgium

www.paxchristi.be

25 Nov 2007 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Global www.un.org/depts/dhl/violence/

26 – 30 Nov 2007 International Conference Red Cross

Geneva www.icrc.org

29 Nov – 1 Dec 2007 Article 9 Asia Interreligious Congress

Tokyo Japan

fhirota@hotmail.com .

5 – 7 Dec 2007 General Assembly CONGO

Geneva www.ngocongo.org

5 – 7 Dec 2007 Vienna Conference Cluster Munitions

Vienna Austria

Thomas@stopclustermunitions.org

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5 – 7 Dec 2007 International NGO Conference on Sustainable Development

UNESCO Paris

www.unesco.org

10 Dec 2007 International Human Rights Day United Nations

Global www.unog.ch

10 – 14 Dec 2007 Session UN Human Rights Council

Geneva www.unog.ch

10 – 14 Dec 2007 Meeting of State Parties on the Convention against Biological Weapons

Geneva www.unog.ch

10 – 16 Dec 2007 Peace Week Pax Christi France

France www.paxchristi.cef.fr

11 Dec 2007 Ambassadors for Peace Award

Pax Christi Flanders

www.paxchristi.be

15 Dec 2007 National Consultation Pax Christi Netherlands

Utrecht the Netherlands

ruigrok@ikvpaxchristi.nl

16 Dec 2007 Peace Sunday Pax Christi France

France www.paxchristi.cef.fr

28 Dec 2007 – 2 Jan 2008

Pax Christi Germany Retreat in Auschwitz

Auschwitz Poland

E-mail: pax-christi.aachen@t-online.de

2008 Commemorations M. Gandhi (1948) and M.L. King (1968)

Global

1 Jan 2008 World Day of Peace Global12 – 17 Jan 2008 Peace Pilgrimage Holy

Land CoordinationHoly Land

Maria.Klos@CBCEW.Org.uk

16 – 19 Jan 2008 Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum Core Group

Jerusalem mns@wcc-coe.org

18 – 25 Jan 2008 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Global http://www.oikoumene.org/?id=3193

20 Jan 2008 Peace Sunday Pax Christi UK

UK www.paxchristi.org.uk

29 – 31 Jan 2008 Congress on Peace and Non-Violence Gandhi 2008 International

Sewagram, Wardha, India

Mahatma_wda@sancharnet.in

6 – 15 Feb 2008 UN Commission for Social Development

UN New York

ngoran@un.org

8 – 10 Feb 2008 World Peace Services Weekend of Services for Peace

UK www.world-disarm.org.uk

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9 – 10 Feb 2008 General Assembly Pax Christi Philippines

Davao City

www.paxchristi.ph

18 – 22 Feb 2008 Wellington Conference Cluster Munitions

Wellington New Zealand

Thomas@stopclustermunitions.org

25 Feb – 7 March 2008

Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

United Nations New York

www.un.org@womenwatch/daw

1 March 2008 Peace Education Network Annual Conference

London info@paxchristi.org.uk

3 – 28 March 2008 UN Human Rights Council

Geneva www.unog.ch

8 March 2007 International Day for Women’s Rights

Global www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/womday97.htm

1 – 10 April 2008 Peace Pilgrimage Holy Land Pax Christi Flanders

Holy Land

Brigitte.Herremans@paxchristi.be

3 April 2008 60th Anniversary Pax Christi Germany

Kevelaer Germany

r.voss@paxchristi.de

4 – 6 April 2008 60th Anniversary Congress Pax Christi Germany

Berlin Germany

r.voss@paxchristi.de

7 – 18 April 2008 Second Review Conference Chemical Weapons Convention United nations

The Hague – the Netherlands

media@opcw.org

12 April 2008 Pax Christi Flanders Family Day

www.paxchristi.be

13 – 15 April 2008 Annual Conference Catholic Peace Building Network

University of Notre Dame USA

www.cpn.nd.edu

25 – 27 April 2008 ExCom International Peace Bureau

Geneva www.ipb.org

28 April – 9 May 2008 Second Session PrepCom 2010 Review Conference Parties Treaty NPT

Geneva

1 May 2008 60th Anniversary Pax Christi Freiburg/Germany

Bühl - Germany

www.paxchristi-freiburg.de

1 May 2008 AGM Pax Christi International

Belgium greet@paxchristi.net

2 – 3 May 2008 Northern Consultation Belgium paul@paxchristi.net

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Pax Christi International

3 – 4 May 2008 ExCom Pax Christi International

Belgium greet@paxchristi.net

20 – 21 May 2008 Days of Prayer & Action for Peace in Colombia

Global www.peaceincolombia.org/days

21 – 25 May 2008 Katholikentag Osnabrück

Germany r.voss@paxchristi.de

24 May 2008 International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament

Global www.ifor.org/WPP

30 – 31 May – 1 June 2008

3rd International Salon for Peace

Paris France

www.nvpdecade.org

2 June – 13 July 2008 UN Human Rights Council

Geneva www.unog.ch

20 June 2008 International Refugee Day

Global www.unhcr.ch.org

30 June – 4 July 2008 Seventh Annual Conference “Globalisation for the Common Good – An Interfaith Perspective”

Melbourne Australia

j.camilleri@latrobe.edu.au

6 – 10 Oct 2008 International Network of Museums for Peace Conference

Kyoto Japan

P.Vandendungen@Bradford.ac.uk

7 – 9 Nov 2008 General Assembly Pax Christi Germany

Kevelaer Germany

www.paxchristi.de

11 Nov 2008 Pax Christi Peace Route 2008

France – Belgium

jan.vandenberghe@paxchristi.be

17 – 19 Nov 2008 Quadrennial Assembly Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

Rome Italy

www.e-alliance.ch

10 Dec 2008 60th Anniversary Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Global 60anniversary@ohchr.org

4 – 15 May 2009 Third Session PrepCom 2010 Review Conference Parties Treaty NPT

New York

2010 IPB Nobel Centenary Global www.ipb.org26 April – 21 May 2010

2010 Review Conference Parties Treaty NPT

New York

4 – 11 May 2011 International Ecumenical Peace Convocation WCC

Global www.overcomingviolence.org/iepc

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