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ERI Schools Partnership Global Meet

‘We are Connected’ was the song that opened our first Edmund Rice Youth Ambassadors’ Global Meet on October 21st.  The sentiment of the song was evident throughout the 90-minute digital gathering of 95 participants; made up of student-social justice activists, advocacy coordinators, network colleagues and supporters.Buoyed by Br. Brian Bond’s opening words of encouragement, who […]

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A month with ERI and its engagement with the 57th session of the HRC

Joining ERI in Geneva meant stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a leap of faith into the unknown. This decision, made for the mission of my Congregation, has revealed a world more fragmented than I ever imagined, and more in need of voices and hands committed to peace. On August 29, 2024, I […]

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ERI Active During UN 57th Human Rights Council Session

ERI Active During UN 57th Human Rights Council Session

ERI delivered a number of statements during the recently concluded Human Rights Council session.Topics included :-– a joint statement as part of the discussion of the Secretary General analytical study on climate change, delivered by Kachin Adindu of Vivat International.– a joint statement as part of the discussion of the report of the Special Rapporteur […]

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Edmund Rice International and Deignan Institute at Iona University Join Climate March Targeting Citibank

On Sunday, August 25, a large contingent of several hundred climate activists joined a march in NYC to challenge the role of CitiBank, with Headquarters in New York City,  as a primary lender to the fossil fuel industry.  Sister Kathleen Deignan, CND, Founder of the Deignan Institute for Earth and Spirit was joined by Br. […]

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ERI Active in 56th Human Rights Council Session

ERI was again active during the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council (June 18-July 12). A number of oral statements were delivered and several statements of ERI’s partners were co-sponsored.Several statements were made during the Interactive Dialogue (discussion) with the UN Special Rapporteur on Migrants. (click on the highlighted text to view a […]

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Edmund Rice International Schools’ Partnership Program Official Launch

Edmund Rice International has officially launched its new schools’ partnership program with an online event organised by Br Tino D’abreu, Grace David the advocacy coordinator for Edmund Rice schools in India, and Ann Nichols, the Network Facilitator from Edmund Rice England.

Over the past few months, regional advocacy coordinators and ERI animators have been encouraging the schools in their networks to nominate student youth ambassadors and staff contacts and have their principals sign the partnership agreement and share it with ERI.

More than 100 participants, including school principals, advocacy coordinators, mission animators and student leaders in social justice joined from across India, South Africa, Ireland and the UK to show their commitment to the partnership scheme and to share how being connected with ERI in schools enhances their global perspective on justice.

Designed to strengthen the Youth Ambassador program, this new partnership will offer more regular global meets for students, increased interactions with ERI and the global student community, and provide mutual support.
 
Br Brian Bond, Executive Director of Edmund Rice International joined the meeting from Australia where he gave an overview of the partnership scheme and how the ERI team hope it will foster deeper connections and collaboration between the young people in our schools around being a common voice for justice.

Student ambassador Nityam Soorma from St Columba’s school in Delhi explained how he had enjoyed participating in the EREBB Global Classroom Partners program, meeting other students ‘beyond borders’ and learning about their perspective on global issues.

Lachlan Gregory, a student from St Edward’s College in England had already had the chance to visit Geneva this year which gave him a huge insight into the achievements and shortcomings of the UN, into specific human rights injustices discussed at the UPR sessions he witnessed, and into the work of ERI.

Both are excited to be the Youth Ambassador in their school and looking forward to engaging with other schools on campaigns.

Ashlee Hally a teacher and peace and justice group coordinator at Ardscoil na Mara, in Tramore, Ireland gave an overview of how advocacy works in their school, the role of their Youth Ambassadors and the different initiatives the peace and justice group have been involved with.

Kaylee Lewis from CBC St John’s in Cape Town, South Africa shared the great enthusiasm and work involving both human and earth rights and engagement with UN submissions of her justice group.
 
Ann Nichols from the Edmund Rice Network in England shared some further thoughts on being an ERI partner school and how to raise the profile of ERI amongst the whole school community.

Tom Murray from England and Cormac McArt from the North of Ireland were thanked for paving the way to setting up this scheme with their work animating advocacy in schools and liaising closely with ERI.

ERI intend to run two School Partnership Global Meets per year and encourage more frequent regional gatherings (in person or online) between partner schools. School Youth Ambassadors are invited to their first ‘Global Meet’ on 30th September entitled: ‘Our Work as ERI Youth Ambassadors, Paving a Way for Justice.’ At this meeting students will share their work to date, their planned campaigns and initiatives they can share with the wider group.

Schools who have not done so are invited to sign and return the partnership agreement form to Br Brian Bond.

A recording of the launch can be found here.

Thanks to Ann Nichols for the information in this article

ERI Participation in 55th UN Human Rights Council Session

Statement read by Michelle Rapier on the outcome of the UPR of Canada

ERI delivered several statements during the recent session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The statements made include:-


– a joint statement with PRATYeK highlighting the issue of housing in India. The statement was part of the agenda in response to the report of the Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing

– a statement on the human rights situation in Myanmar delivered by Br Brian Bond on behalf of a number of partners who fear reprisals if they are identified in speaking out. The statement was delivered as part of the discussion of the High Commissioners report on on the human rights situation in Myanmar.

– a video statement on the rights of persons with disability in Kenya delivered by Rofina Ushago as part of the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disability.

– two joint video statements as part of the discussion of the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children. One delivered by Steve Rocha of PRATYeK in India and the other by Kachi Adindu of Vivat International on behalf of the Presentation Brothers in Ghana

– statements delivered under Agenda item 3, General Debate by Tino D’Abreu on child safety and cyber-bullying in Peruand by Fabian Kachi Adindu of VIVAT International on the engagement of young people with climate change and environmental protection.

– a second statement on Myanmar delivered by Brian Bond in response to the report of the Special Rapporteur.

– a series of statements delivered under Agenda item 4, General Debate including a statement read by Ann Nichols of Edmund Rice England on the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK, a statement delivered by by Tino D’Abreu on freedom of religion in India, a statement read by Elmer Hurtado of Edmund Rice Latin America on access to education by people with disability in Peru and a joint statement with Franciscans International read by Eunan McMullan on the human rights situation in the UK.

– a joint statement with IIMA/VIDES on the UPR Outcome of Canada prepared and read by Michelle Rapier from Vancouver College, a recent participant in the ERI Geneva training.

CRC Review of South Africa: Concluding Observations Released

During its 96th Session, the Committee on the Rights of the Child reviewed South Africa. As part of this process, Edmund Rice International and the Student Edmund Rice Volunteers (“SERV”) from Christian Brothers’ College, St John’s in Cape Town, had the opportunity to submit a report to the Committee highlighting issues experienced by children in South Africa. This report, alongside other submissions from Civil Society Organisations, was considered by the CRC Committee in questioning the South African delegation and formulating its concluding observations report.

Issues raised by the students at St John’s related to the rights of every child, particularly disadvantaged children, to safe, accessible, and acceptable standards of education and the impact of poor infrastructure and corruption on the realisation of this right; gender-based violence and other forms of discrimination experienced by girls and women; and finally, the increasing risk of climate change of the health and well-being of children and ensuring the participation of children in relevant decision-making processes.

Following their questioning of the South African delegation the concluding observations (or recommendations) of the Committee considered these issues and directed the South African government to implement urgent measures to strengthen its efforts to eliminate discrimination against children, address the root causes of all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence against children, and ensure that all children have access to equitable and quality education leading to effective learning outcomes.

Other observations raised by the committee related to the rights of children with disabilities, the visibility of children in Climate Change-related decisions and safeguarding universal health care for children.

The opportunity to draft a report that would be considered at an international level was inspiring for the students at St John’s. It reinforced their ability to use Edmund Rice education to make a difference in the world. This process expanded their view of the Edmund Rice Network and different international organisations’ role in enforcing children’s rights. On behalf of these students, a heartfelt message of thanks and gratitude is extended to Edmund Rice International for this opportunity.

All the documents relating to the review can be viewed and downloaded here.

Taydren van Vuren – CBC St John’s, Cape Town, South Africa

Review of Human Rights in Nigeria

All of the issues raised in ERI’s joint submission (drafted in partnership with Vivat International, the Daughters of Charity and the Dominicans for Justice and Peace) were the subject of recommendations put forward at the recent UPR Review of Nigeria.

The issue of Human Trafficking was especially prominent, where Nigeria was urged to do more to implement its existing legislation and address the issue.

Other issues that received significant attention included the need to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed by security forces and other armed groups, the situation of internally displaced and stateless persons, violence against women, female genital mutilation, the rights of persons with disability and corruption in government. The issues of involvement of children in armed conflict and worker’s rights were also raised.

Although not addressed in ERI’s joint submission,other issues that featured prominently included improving access to quality education and health services, the abolition of the death penalty, the empowerment of women to ensure they have a greater role in political and public life, press and media freedom, poverty, housing and the ending of discrimination based on sexual or gender identity.

The full list of recommendations made can be found here

Nigeria will indicate which recommendations it will accept by June.

Visit of England Schools Group to Geneva

We feel incredibly privileged to have been given the chance to gain an insight into how the UN and its reviews work, and are ready to advocate for global human rights, ensuring that we do our best to educate those around us on the injustices that are still present in so many aspects of life.

We were very grateful to speak to Br Brian Bond and Br Terry Dowling at the ERI Headquarters to fully understand the work of the UN globally through the workings of Edmund Rice International, and were inspired to bring this knowledge back to our own school to begin actively tacking issues human rights and social justice issues in the local community, bringing about small change which will hopefully have a large impact.

In preparation for the trip, each pair of ambassadors researched topics such as the workings of the Council Chamber at the UN, the history of the League of Nations room, and what UPRs and ‘side-events’ are so that we could present to each other and apply this knowledge to what we experienced while we were there.

The aspect of the trip that struck us most was the ways in which countries delivered their recommendations during the reviews, addressing issues such as sexual and gender-based violence, LGBTQ discrimination, mass torture and use of the death penalty based on the development and situation of their own country. It was also incredibly eye-opening to see the abundant criticism of China for their consistent suppression of free speech, and the ethnic cleansing and genocide taking place targeting Tibetans and Uyghurs. We even spoke to Tibetan and Uyghur protestors outside the UN who provided even more insight on the human rights violations taking place, and further cemented to us just how important the work of the UN is in tackling this.

UPR cycle, and how they are tackling issues regarding human rights. thAs part of Edmund Rice England’s work regarding social justice, we, as Edmund Rice Youth Ambassadors, were given the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Geneva, learning about the significant role of the United Nations as well as the Universal Periodic Review sessions that take place every four years. Not only was this a great experience to meet other Edmund Rice Youth Ambassadors from around the country, but it also gave us the first-hand opportunity to witness the reviewing of the countries Senegal and China in the 45.

– Anna Tierney and Macy Leigh, St Joseph’s College, Stoke on Trent

 
Comments from other youth ambassadors for Edmund Rice England:
“My highlight of the Geneva trip was getting the chance to go to the Red Cross museum. It was great to see such moving displays in the museum. I really liked the interactive experience. I also had a great time meeting other youth ambassadors from different Edmund Rice schools across England. Can’t wait to work on more projects together!”

– Tom Jones, St Anselm’s College, Birkenhead

“To be surrounded by diplomats and representatives from large states like China and Senegal was a privilege, and we listened avidly to their policies and the way they put them across during their periodic reviews. We’re glad to have had the chance to speak with Br Bond at the Edmund Rice offices about how a UPR session, treaty bodies and special rapporteurs work and the involvement of NGOs in such processes. It was a pleasure to be able to meet and spend time with other Edmund Rice Youth Ambassadors from across England and discuss how we will implement what we’ve learnt to our own schools. We’re very grateful to have had this opportunity!”

– Naomi Jones and Niall Martindale, St Mary’s College Crosby

I am very glad that I was given the opportunity to go to Geneva and see the Edmund Rice offices, as well as the United Nations and Red Cross museum. I met many new friends while I was there from different places and we now all still keep in contact; I gained an experience I never thought I would get and have seen a different perspective of the things me and others can achieve. I am very fortunate to have seen two UPRs, one of which I have seen from both a government and a personal perspective from those who were protesting to change. I have loved every minute of this as well as being a human rights youth ambassador. If I could do it all over again, I would.”

– Liv Darville, St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s sixth form Sunderland

“The trip to Geneva to visit the United Nations and Edmund Rice office is one of the most inspirational trips I have taken. I truly enjoyed talking to Brother Brian Bond about the treaty bodies and how the UPR works. It has broadened my way of thinking and has made my heart develop a passion for human rights even more. My most favourite part of the trip was attending the UPR for Senegal and to see the recommendations given and relationships between countries.”

– Benjamin Samudre St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s sixth form Sunderland

Homeless Awareness Week in Belfast

Panel discussion at St Mary’s Christian Brothers Grammar school in Belfast  during Homeless Awareness week

Following the ERI December Board meeting in Dublin, several ERI Team and Board members joined Cormac McArt (ERI Board member and Director of the Westcourt Centre) to travel to Belfast to attend a number of events scheduled for Homeless Awareness week.
 
The visit enabled connection with our grassroots partners and the opportunity to learn more about the problem of homelessness – an issue that has featured regularly in our advocacy work in Geneva.
 
During the visit the ‘Still Somebody’ photography display organised by the Westcourt Centre was revisited, and the group attended a panel discussion hosted by St Mary’s Christian Brothers Grammar School along with other guests and sixty or more students, including members of the school Social Justice Advocacy group.
 
The group also attended an event marking the 40th anniversary of the founding of Homeless Connect, a partner organisation with the Westcourt Centre, and enjoyed a pizza meal and participation in the regular quiz night at a hostel for homeless men.
 
A highlight of the visit was to attend an assembly at another Edmund Rice school, John Paul II Primary school, where students through song, dance role plays and videos highlighted the issue of homelessness, an issue that directly affected some of them who lived in this one of the more deprived areas of Belfast.  
 
Finally the group returned to St Mary’s Grammar School to enjoy a Christmas lunch hosted by the school for some of the residents from a number of local hostels for the homeless.
 
A most enjoyable and enriching experience.
 

ERI Geneva Training in Human Rights and Advocacy

In November, 12 participants gathered in Gaillard to begin the Edmund Rice International Human Rights and Advocacy Training Course.

In introducing ourselves, we each shared a piece of our culture and of our lives. A beaded bracelet from Kenya, a hand-quilled card of recycled paper from India, a silk scarf depicting Aboriginal Artwork from Australia: each crafted by school students. A painted lamp from India, a headdress crafted from goat hide from Zimbabwe, a South African school motto, a Zambian Flag – celebrations of culture. Maté, an Argentinian herbal drink and coconut biscuits from Goa, India: symbols of hospitality.

Art, celebration, hospitality. Each of these essential to the human experience. So, it is fitting that we spent the next fortnight immersing ourselves into the mechanisms at the United Nations and in Human Rights: rights that are afforded to us simply because we are human. Over the next fortnight, participants grew in community; spending the days observing Universal Periodic Review sessions, Treaty Body sessions, engaging with UN bodies and NGO’s, and by night cooking one another meals from our home countries.

The experience has empowered us in our understanding of international diplomacy, and inspired motivation for change in our local and national contexts. What has left an impact most strongly was the universal desire from all participants to enact change for the better of our communities and for our earth:

“Charity seeks to calm things down, Advocacy seeks to stir things up…” How has your experience in Geneva empowered you to be an advocate in your community?

“The experience helped me gain insight into the workings of the UN and the various treaty bodies. A huge amount of information to process. It is Interesting to see what your own country is up to on the global stage. I enjoyed meeting new people and finding out about their way of life – great camaraderie and friendship among participants.” – Sherelle Myburgh (Pretoria, South Africa)

 “Being in Geneva has broadened my understanding of global issues and the importance of advocacy. The exposure to international discussions on topics like human rights, sustainable development, and social justice has empowered me to advocate for positive change in my community. The emphasis on stirring things up, rather than merely calming them down, encourages proactive engagement and amplification of voices for a more inclusive and equitable society.” – Esther Ndung’u (Nairobi, Kenya)

“It has been eye-opening to witness first-hand the mechanisms for advocacy and social change that exist globally. The fact that there is a space for voices of individuals and groups, for communities and countries is heartening. This knowledge makes me stronger. The politics and the process however needs a lot of patience. I am going back strengthened also with more patience. I hope to be able to be a voice for teachers, for children and for marginalised communities I work with in classrooms, schools and local communities. A voice that can question, that can build awareness and capacity and that can be an ally for those who are raising their own voice.” – Neha Pradhan-Arora (India)

‘”The experience has added more knowledge and skills that would be useful in future ministry. It has widened my understanding of various issues of human rights and has empowered me to think differently in the way we value and treasure life. It has taught me a lesson to love and care for the earth, the great home for everyone. I have been empowered to respond to the crisis of climate issues seriously, and to be the change I want to see in our world.”– Br Moses C Kashokela (Kabwe, Zambia)

We are grateful for the hospitality and guidance of Brs Brian Bond, Tino D’Abreu & Terry Dowling during our time in Geneva.

– Millicent Kavenagh, Edmund Rice Oceania Province Formation Team

ERI Active in 54th Session of UN Human Rights Council

ERI delivered or co-sponsored ten statements during the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
The statements included:-
– a statement on homelessness in India read by Sr Dorothy Fernandes during the discussion of the report of the Special Rapporteur on Slavery.
– a statement on gender-based violence in South Africa read by Paballo Mbedzi during the item 3 General Debate
– a statement on water and sanitation in India delivered by Violet Mary during the discussion of the report of the Special Rapporteur on water and sanitation.
– the situation in Myanmar delivered by Br Brian Bond on behalf of a number of partners who fear reprisals if they are identified in speaking out. The statement was delivered as part of the discussion of the High Commissioners report on on the human rights situation in Myanmar.
– a statement delivered by Br. Tino D’Abreu under item 4 General Debate re the Manipur crisis in India.
– two statements were read during the annual discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples. One was delivered by Jamer Lopez on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Peru (Spanish version available here). A second statement was delivered by Alopi Latukefu from the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education in Sydney on the situation of Indigenous Peoples in Australia

ERI also co-sponsored statements read by our partners.
– A statement delivered during the discussion of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development by Mara Mercedes Rossi of APGXXIII.
– a statement delivered on young people’s engagement with climate change during the panel discussion on youth and human rights by Rubina Cantele on behalf of IIMA/VIDES.

Season of Creation 2023

“Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme chosen for Season of Creation 2023 the ecumenical celebration held each year from September 1, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The prophet Amos cries out, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24), and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to embrace climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities that are most impacted by climate injustice and biodiversity loss.

Our prayers must call for justice not only for human beings, but for all creation. In covenant with peace, we are called to repent of our ecological sins and to change our attitudes and actions.

We want to reach out to local leaders and call our communities to actively participate in the Season of Creation by sensitizing them on the theme, and on how to respond to the cry of creation wherever the Lord calls us in our various contexts.

Watch the 2023 theme launch here.

“A mighty river” is the symbol chosen to go with this theme, representing biodiversity at risk. The urgency is growing and we must make peace with the Earth and on the Earth visible, while justice calls us to repentance and a change of attitude and actions. When we join the river of justice and peace with others, it creates hope instead of despair.

We are invited to join the river of justice and peace on behalf of all Creation and to converge our individual identities, of name, family or faith community, in this greater movement for justice, just as tributaries come together to form a mighty river.  

Prophet Isaiah proclaims “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43: 19) 

A mighty river can move mountains. Our individual actions during the Season of Creation are important. Celebrating creation, participating in cleanups, planting trees and reducing our carbon footprint are some of the immediate actions we can take. Get ready to organize your events!

ERI Geneva Training

Participants in recent ERI Geneva training.
Back row (l-r) Clalffin Achimba (Kenya), Naazneen Kola (South Africa), Terry Dowling (ERI) Amy Hills,(Australia), Taydren van Vuren (South Africa), Samuel Rivero (Peru), Patrick Perera (FI, Sri Lanka), Brian Bond (ERI), Alsis Goa (FI, Indonesia), Tino D’Abreu (ERI).
Front row (l-r) Joyce Pinto (India), Josefa Roces-Pizon (Philippines), Esther Arthur (Ghana), Nisha Bhusal (India), Pilar Caballero-Alias (USA)

 

Twelve members of the Edmund Rice and Franciscans International networks participated in the June 2023 Geneva Training with the Edmund Rice International (ERI) Team. With participants from Peru, South Africa, India, Australia, Kenya, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines and USA, ERI team members from India, South Africa, Australia and Cormac McArt from Northern Ireland, the rich diversity of the group made for the profound sharing of stories, cuisines and cultures.
 
Throughout the training, sessions involved the history of human rights, advocacy and the emergence of the rights-based approach, the background and journey of Edmund Rice International, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the mechanisms of the United Nations, Edmund Rice spirituality and the care of our earth, the Sustainable Development Goals, and learning about each other’s work.  
 
All participants thoroughly enjoyed an opportunity to visit the International Labour Office, Red Cross Museum and the United Nations Environment Programme and speak with staff members involved. We also enjoyed guest presenters from the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Permanent Mission of Australia in Geneva, International Catholic Centre of Geneva and the United Nations Special Procedures team.
 
For many, the highlights of the training were the visits to the United Nations, Palais de Nations, to view the Human Rights Council sessions. It was encouraging to see the commitment and participation of so many countries in the process of realising and working towards fulfilling human rights across the globe.
 
Our time culminated in the development and presentation of our own Rights Based Advocacy Plans to put our newfound knowledge and skills to use in our own local, national and international contexts. The group build such wonderful friendships and connections, which made for a meaningful and emotional final debrief, appropriately reflecting the life-changing experience we had with ERI.

thanks to Amy Hills for this article