May-June 2021

Vol. 46, No. 3

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Dire Need for Global Vaccine Access: With cases rising in several regions around the world, the need for equitable global vaccine access is dire.

U.S. Return to Climate Action: The new U.S. climate commitments represent the United States’ return to global efforts to combat climate change. 

Calls for Necessary Cuts to 2022 Military Budget: President Biden’s proposal to increase the military budget comes at a cost for other integral human security needs. 

Brazil: Corruption Investigations Wreck Economy: The economic consequences of the Car Wash corruption scandal match the far-reaching political turmoil that continues to overshadow Brazil.

Now is the Time to Close Guantanamo: Twenty-four Senators sent the following letter to President Biden on April 16, 2021.

Protecting the Oceans: 2021 Monaco Blue Initiative: At a gathering in Monaco, ocean experts discussed how 2021 could be a year to catch up on ocean protection goals. : 

Protecting Biodiversity and Restoring Earth: The Vatican hosted a webinar to promote protecting biodiversity as a means of restoring the Earth and human life.

Special Drawing Rights Explained: Since the pandemic started in March 2020, civil society across the world has been calling for a new allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) in response to the health, economic and social emergency. 

Vatican Backs Debt Cancellation for African Countries: The Vatican has stated that it supports debt cancellation for African countries struggling to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic on top of other urgent crises.

Migration: Hearing the Cry, Sharing the Journey: Scott Wright, Director of the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, wrote the following article which is reprinted here with permission. 

Updates on Israel-Palestine: Pres. Biden reinstates U.S. funding for aid to Palestinian refugees and U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum introduces a new bill to protect the rights of Palestinian children and families.

Hong Kong’s National Security Law: The Georgetown Center for Asian Law published a report on the impacts of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Add Your Name for Nuclear Disarmament: All are invited to sign on to a newspaper ad with a message for nuclear disarmament addressed to our Catholic President and Members of Congress.

Resources: Find information on our recent statements and upcoming webinars, resources on women and peacebuilding, opportunities to take action, and much more. 

 

Photo: Arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccines in Bangui, Central African Republic, courtesy of the United Nations and available on Flickr.