UN: "The World We Want" platform
The following piece was published in the January-February 2014 NewsNotes.
United Nations
In our often divided world, one place where all of humankind is invited to come together to work for the common good is the United Nations. Despite its limitations, the UN system is our most effective tool for uniting with others in order to create and implement policies that secure a life of dignity for all of God’s children.
Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations reads: “The Economic and Social Council may make suitable arrangements for consultation with non-governmental organizations which are concerned with matters within its competence. Such arrangements may be made with international organizations and, where appropriate, with national organizations after consultation with the members of the United Nations concerned.”
Based on this article, two of the Maryknoll branches have Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the MOGC carries out the work of implementing this status. Maryknoll’s work at country level, and the MOGC’s work for peace, social justice and integrity of creation, relates closely with the concerns and work of the UN and its committees, agencies and field offices. Our work with the UN aims to influence its agenda and is done by:
- participating in NGOs committees and working groups
- presenting oral and writing statements
- participation in global UN conferences and regular sessions
- participating in the monitoring process of UN treaties
- networking with other NGOs, and
- facilitating the voice of local people in the UN and NGOs gatherings.
Articles, alerts, events
COP19, Warsaw: An invitation to fast in solidarity with victims of climate change
The following message was sent by two staff members of the United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society (UMC-GBCS) who are attending the UN climate change meeting in Warsaw, Poland (COP19), November 2013.
UN: Renewed partnership for development
The following article was published in the November-December 2013 NewsNotes.
Ensure that UN doesn’t jeopardize efforts to prevent sex trafficking
The following alert is circulated by the human rights, anti-trafficking group Equality Now.
MOGC signs letter to GCF for environmental, social protections
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns was one of many signatories on the following letter to the board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which expresses our unified call for the adoption of the most robust environmental and social protections possible at the GCF.
UN: Voice of youth
At the UN, July 12 was designated Malala Day in honor of Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani woman who was attacked in October 2012 for her efforts to gain an education.
New efforts on nuclear disarmament
For years after the end of the Cold War, the extreme danger of nuclear weapons and the moral obligation to achieve "nuclear zero" seemed to command little serious attention from governments or from the public at large.
Arms Trade Treaty: Hope for vulnerable peoples
On June 3 representatives of more than 60 countries signed the historic Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) at the United Nations in New York.
Peace, human security key to post-2015 agenda
On May 30, the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda presented its final report, "A New Global Partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development."
Arms Trade Treaty action update
On April 2, the Arms Trade Treaty passed; June 3 is the first day that UN member states can ratify the treaty.
UN: Promoting people’s empowerment
The following report onthe February 2013 meeting of the UN Commission on Social Development was written by Sr. Elizabeth (Claris) Zwareva, MM, who represents Maryknoll at the UN.
Arms Trade Treaty: Pray for passage
From March 18-28, the United Nations will hold the final talks on the Arms Trade Treaty.
Urgent: Ask senators to sign “dear colleague” letter on Arms Trade Treaty
Urge your senators to sign letter to President Obama in support of a strong Arms Trade Treaty
Urge Senate to ratify CEDAW, the women's rights treaty
The Women's Rights Treaty [the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, also known as CEDAW] is a strong tool that the international community used to protect women and girls from violence, end injustices such as forced marriage and trafficking, and provide access to education and vocational training.
December 10: International human rights day
The following bulletin is distributed by our colleagues at Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement.
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Scripture reflections
World AIDS Day
December 1, 2014
The following reflection on the readings for World AIDS Day, December 1, was prepared by Susan Weissert, a former lay missioner who coordinated the Maryknoll AIDS Task Force.
UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2012