March – April 2023

Nuclear Risk Rising

With the Doomsday clock set to 90 seconds to midnight, and Russia suspending participation in a key nuclear arms control treaty, the risk of nuclear war is higher than ever.

Pax Christi International Statement on Ukraine War Anniversary

This statement was first published by Pax Christi International on February 21 in anticipation of the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

Japan’s Shift in Defense Policy

Fr James J. Mylet, MM, describes the shift in military policy in Japan, where he lived for more than 40 years.

Philippines: U.S. Military Bases are a Danger

The following excerpt is from an article written by Irish Columban missionary priest Fr. Shay Cullen, published on the Preda website on February 3, 2023.

Peru: Indigenous People Call for Justice

Protests following the failed coup attempt of the former president were met with deadly police violence

Nicaragua: Release of Political Prisoners

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega released two-hundred twenty-two political prisoners, exiling them to the United States on February 9, 2023.

Africa: Heat and Drought

The African continent is experiencing unprecedented and severe consequences of extreme heat this year, from a three-year drought in the Horn of Africa and record-setting temperatures in the south

Tanzania Seizes Maasai Cattle

After exposing cuts to public services for the Maasai in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania at the end of 2022, the Oakland Institute offers the following urgent update, detailing forced cattle seizures by the government in an ongoing attempt to force the Maasai off their lands.

Faith Groups Pressure Big Banks to Phase Out New Fossil-Fuel Financing

Members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) a coalition of over 300 global faith-based and values-based institutions have filed two shareholder proposals at six of the nation’s top banks calling on them to reduce their financing of fossil fuels.

U.S. Congress: PEPFAR and Farm Bill

A divided Congress and a feuding House chamber will make it difficult to focus on what needs to be done to keep U.S. programs for international HIV/AIDS relief and food aid.

CBP One App: Biased Against Dark-Skinned People

The agency’s app is now the exclusive way to schedule appointments to request asylum. The app, rated 2.7 and 2.5 out of five in the Google and Apple stores, respectively, has limitations and errors that effectively exclude the most vulnerable populations of asylum seekers.

Guantanamo Bay Prisoner Released

The resettlement of Majid Khan from Guantanamo Bay prison to Belize, marks the first time a “high intelligence value” prisoner has been freed.

Lenten Reflection Guide: Inspired by Laudato Si’

The 2023 Lenten Reflection Guide: Inspired by Laudato Si’ from the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns contains reflections, questions, prayers, fasts, and actions based on each week’s Gospel reading and the experience of Maryknoll missioners who have lived and worked with marginalized communities around the world. Reflections run from Ash Wednesday, February 22 through Palm Sunday, April 2

Resources

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