December 2025 Update

Dear Sisters and Friends,

I hope this edition of the Justice Desk Update finds you all in good health and spirits. This issue contains a wide range of news and updates. If you have reports, photographs, upcoming events, or any items you believe would be of interest to others, please feel free to share them with me so that they can be included in future updates. I would also be grateful if you could draw the attention of anyone you think might be interested to particular items below. As always, there is no expectation to read everything—simply follow what captures your interest. Throughout this newsletter you will see photos of my day out with many on the Climate March.

In this issue, you will find:

Act to Prevent Trafficking featured as guests of the Soroptimists in Athlone, along with coverage from the Westmeath Independent.
Graphics created by Sr. Lilly Pushpam from South India, which are available for free use.
A petition supported by Aid to the Church in Need, urging governments and international organisations to uphold Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, safeguarding freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Coverage of this initiative can be found in The Tablet article linked below.
An update on the rare convictions for human trafficking in Ireland, with significant attention now focused on the outcome of a current case.
Information on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a topic of major relevance. We are exploring the possibility of inviting Kenneth Cukier to speak at the next NJPN Conference. I am participating in the ongoing planning meetings.
Details of a forthcoming NJPN webinar, which I will be moderating in my capacity as a member of the NJPN Executive. I will not be offering personal opinions during the event. I have consulted with the English Province before agreeing to moderate. You are warmly invited to register, as the session promises to be highly informative.
A comprehensive briefing on COP30 prepared by Trócaire, available below.
A contribution from Sr. Imelda Poole, addressing the role of AI in human trafficking and its implications for victims. Sr. Imelda is our colleague in RENATE.
Building Bridges: Busting Poverty Myths & Highlighting Inclusive Action in education, training, and employment—a photo set accompanying an article prepared by ATD Ireland, where we serve as Board Members.
A series of art projects from ATD Ireland, created during a workshop in Galway on “Being Left Behind.” You can scroll through the images to gain insight into the lived reality of those who experience exclusion.
A selection of responses on why socio-economic discrimination remains unprotected in Irish equality legislation—an issue on which we, together with others, continue to advocate.

Thank you sincerely for your engagement and support throughout the year.

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Brian

APT Ireland

Act to Prevent Trafficking in Ireland were guests of the Soroptimists who coordinated a meeting on the issue of Human Trafficking and this meeting was very well attended. There was a significant write up in the Westmeath Independent and this can be read below.

Photos from the Climate March will be shared all through this report. The first of these can be found below. There was a significant presence from the Faith Based Community. The storm the previous day (Claudia) might have put many off travelling.

In discussions with Sr. Lilly Pushpam about something completely different I learned that she had produced some graphics that centre on the messages of Laudato Si. They were so good I thought you should see them. Sr. Lilly is a teacher of (Maths and more) in South India and is a gifted IPA Justice Contact. You are free to use these if the need arises.

The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need is behind the petition, calling on governments and international organisations to promote Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This action is the subject of an article in the Tablet below

Religious freedom – why we cannot remain silent - The TabletThe protest came within 12 hours of the launch of a new report revealing that more than 5.4 billion people globally could face persecution and discrimination

Sr. Maureen O' Connell at the Climate March in Dublin.

There have been very few convictions in Ireland with respect to Human Trafficking and this significant news is such that the eyes of the judiciary and others are truly fixed on the outcome of this case.

AI is the topic of our times and there is indeed a plan to see whether Kenneth Cukier would speak to this issue at our next NJPN Conference. I am attending the ongoing planning meeting of the NJPN.

Featured Interview with Kenneth Cukier - AI and FaithRead More

Christ Among the Ruins: Finding Light in Gaza’s Darkness

I will be moderating this forthcoming webinar on behalf of the NJPN (as an executive member of the NJPN). I will not be offering opinion, comment or otherwise as those in the Presentation Family are conscious of how we plan any event where our Sisters are at work. I spoke with the English Province in advance of agreeing to do this moderation. You are welcome to sign up to this event as there will be much to learn.

Dear Friends of NJPN UK and Pax Christi England and Wales.

You are being invited to attend a special evening on December 1 at 7.30pm ONLINE with NJPN UK and Pax Christi England and Wales where we will explore:

Christ Among the Ruins: Finding Light in Gaza’s Darkness

A live webinar and conversation of faith, witness, and action

As the people of Gaza face unimaginable suffering amid ongoing bombardment, displacement, and humanitarian crisis — and as Israeli and Jewish communities worldwide grieve, fear, and struggle with the weight of violence and loss — we gather to seek Christ’s light among the ruins.

This webinar invites participants to reflect on how the Church understands and responds to this unfolding tragedy: where we find Christ in the midst of devastation, and how we can bear faithful witness to peace, justice, and compassion in a world so deeply divided.

Together, we will listen to diverse voices — including perspectives from Activists both Christians & Jewish - Peace Advocates, and Church Leaders — to explore how followers of Christ can pray, speak, and act with integrity. We will also consider practical steps for advocacy, including how to engage elected representatives and support those most affected by the conflict.

You are warmly invited to join this conversation, to share your own thoughts and experiences, and to discern together what it means to be people of light in a time of darkness and to take an action for Advent afterwards.

A recording of the session will be made available afterward for those unable to attend live.

The Zoom Link to attend this Webinar will be sent to you closer to the event itself.

Thank you for registering.

The NJPN and Pax Christi Executive.

(National Justice and Peace Network UK & Pax Christi England and Wales)

See Poster Attached

You can register HERE or by clicking the poster itself.

Trócaire have prepared a very informative brief on COP 30 and this can be seen HERE and below

Times Up_ Trócaire COP30 Briefing.pdf

Sr. Imelda Poole speaks to the issue of AI in the prevalence of Human Trafficking and the implications for victims. Sr. Imelda is our colleague in RENATE.

Laws ‘not fit for purpose’ to fight trafficking, warns campaigner - The TabletArtificial Intelligence, deep fakes and the use of cryptocurrencies are making it increasingly difficult to criminalise traffickers, a leading

Building Bridges: - Busting Poverty Myths & Highlighting Inclusive Action in Education, Training and Employment. This set of photos is that of an article prepared by Altogether in Dignity Ireland ATD Ireland. (We are Board Members of ATD Ireland).

Also from ATD Ireland is a set of art projects that have been the result of a workshop in Galway on ' Being Left Beind', you can scroll through the images below to learn a little more about what it means to some to be left behind.

Take a scroll through the reasons by people are not protected against socio-economic discrimination in Irish Equality Legislation. We have been lobbying (with others) on this issue.

The Lady below is a long time campaigner for the climate. She always carries a sign, dresses appropriately and most definitely stands out. The photo below doesn't do her justice really but the one at the bottom is even more important. Why? Well it's the scarf. She has knitted a new stripe each year sinces the 1970s that indicates the increase in temperature every year up until now. It's only when she told me that I could see the effort and so I thought I should share with you all.