Embedded Files
Dear Sisters and Friends,
I hope that this February issue of the Justice Desk Update finds you all well. We know that there is too much here and so we only ask that you read that which catches and holds your attention and interest. Please feel free to refer this update on to others who may not have the gift of the internet. Many of the articles contained within have been brought to our attention by Sisters and Friends and should you have an article, event, report, photo or comment that you would like to share then we would dearly love to hear from you.
In this February Update you will find:
New Year's resolutions to save the planet. (never too late to make a resolution!)
Some photos that I took at the Manresa Prayer Service for Peace in Early January.
Notice of 'Pilgrim Ways' - The monthly online Pilgrim Ways evenings reflect on different aspects of pilgrimage. All are welcome.
The National Justice and Peace Network are delighted to be able to advertise our first event of this Jubilee Year
entitled Opening the Doors to Freedom from Human Trafficking on Thursday February 6th at 7pm - 8.30pm You can register your interest to attend this event HERE and importantly can we ask that you might also share this invitation (and flyer attached) with others in your network.
I was invited to attend a Brainstorming Session with ATD and to think on questions 1-4 below and I prepared a response that I shared with them. You can check this out HERE
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and her inspiring sermon.
The last Jubilee Year (2000) was dedicated to the freedom of debt for the poorest nations. Despite the success of this campaign. How far have we really come now that we are being called upon to be Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year?
Jimmy Carter's legacy in relation to sexual exploitation and how he personally intervened to make a difference in Ireland. This goes to our IPA UN Advocacy Focus with respect to the elimination of violence against women and girls.
Domestic Violence on the Increase. We are reminded that our IPA Advocacy Focus at the UN is the elimination of violence against women and girls in thisIrish Examiner article.
‘Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), represented by Community Law and Mediation, is challenging the government’s 2023 Climate Action Plan in the High Court this week. (article)
New survey finds that a large majority of children are anxious about climate change. What can we do?
Take a look at some of the changes to the IPA Website https://globalpres.org/
On being jailed (for 4 years) for climate activism!
Passionate about defending and promoting the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees? Workshop!
The National Justice and Peace Network have published their Spring Newsletter and this can be read below or HERE
The Immigrant Council of Ireland also urged the incoming government to set a vision and approach for migration and integration in Ireland going forward which ensures that each member of our community is valued and respected.
There are currently 35 conflicts raging in Africa and yet we only hear news of the most injurious of these conflicts. Each month the German Antenna of the AEFJN produce an informative Newsletter (sometimes fortnightly) and we include the most recent issue below.
Q & A with Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf, who was the recipient of the Human Dignity Award for lifetime achievement relative to working with victims of Human Trafficking. (I was present at this ceremony in Rome last year).
The Seeds of Hope - Kerry Diocese.
Oxfam on Poverty January 2025 (Billionaires)
I was delighted to have spent a morning with the international group of 19 religious sisters and priests currently participating in this year's Religious Formation Ministry Programme at Loreto House, Stillorgan, Dublin, Ireland.
St. Brigit's Annual Lecture.
Grandmothers Against Racism.
The majority of missing children in Ireland are migrant children.
Bishop Niall Coll on HOPE in the Jubilee Year.
I hope that there is plenty to catch you interest here.
Brian
On January 6th I attended the Manresa Centre in Dollymount Dublin for a Prayer Service for Peace. At the event I took a few photos of those who attended from APT Ireland and AEFJN-Ireland. It was a super event. At the event the Jesuits were at pains to invite us to attend some online events (Christian Unity Week and Pilgrims Way) that I have posted below. You would be most welcome to attend these events when and if you could.
Pilgrim Ways
Pilgrim Ways
From: 7:30pm Thursday 18 July 2024
To: 9:00pm Thursday 18 July 2024
Additional Dates
Additional Dates
7:30pm Thursday 16 January 2025 - 9:00pm Thursday 16 January 2025
7:30pm Thursday 20 February 2025 - 9:00pm Thursday 20 February 2025
7:30pm Thursday 20 March 2025 - 9:00pm Thursday 20 March 2025
7:30pm Thursday 17 April 2025 - 9:00pm Thursday 17 April 2025
7:30pm Thursday 15 May 2025 - 9:00pm Thursday 15 May 2025
The monthly online Pilgrim Ways evenings reflect on different aspects of pilgrimage.
Do you think of your life as a journey?
Would you like to reflect on your Camino experience?
Do you find the Camino has some meaning for you?
How might walking make you wise?
The Irish pilgrim paths and the Camino have timeless meaning and speak to thousands every year. We invite seasoned and prospective walkers to come along on the third Thursday night of each month for some reflective time focused on the experience of or in anticipation of pilgrimage.
Each evening will focus on an aspect of pilgrimage – perhaps referring to Ignatius of Loyola who refers to himself in his autobiography as “the Pilgrim” - and invite participants to reflect on their own sense of being a pilgrim.
The gatherings will involve some input, quiet time and conversation and prayer. You may know of upcoming walks or want to share trail discoveries. Where walkers gather there’s sure to be advice, recommendations and encouragement!
Register HERE
Opening the Doors to Freedom from Human Trafficking
Opening the Doors to Freedom from Human Trafficking
The National Justice and Peace Network
are delighted to be able to advertise
our first event of this
Jubilee Year
entitled
Opening the Doors to Freedom from Human Trafficking
Opening the Doors to Freedom from Human Trafficking
on
Thursday February 6th at 7pm - 8.30pm
(See Flyer below)
with -
Brian O' Toole who is a member of the National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN), Act to Prevent Trafficking (APT Ireland) and the Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking in Europe (RENATE) and Talitha Kum. At this event you will learn a little more about the insidious issue of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in the UK and importantly what we can do as "Pilgrims of Hope" during this Jubilee Year to help victims of Human Trafficking as we shine a light on this important issue.
You can register your interest to attend this event HERE and importantly can we ask that you might also share this invitation (and flyer attached) with others in your network.
Once you have registered you will receive a link to attend this event closer to the event itself.
Thank you so much for your support and interest in this event.
Sharon Chambers & Brian O' Toole
Admin of the NJPN.
This event now features
Brian O' Toole, Kevin Hyland OBE and Sr. Imelda Poole MBE.
NJPN - Opening the Doors to Freedom from Trafficking & Exploitation.pdfATD and the International Leadership: A discussison.
I was invited to attend a Brainstorming Session with ATD and to think on questions 1-4 below and I prepared a reponse that I shared with them. You can check this out HERE
ATD Ireland 2024 in review and looking forward.
ATD Ireland 2024 in review and looking forward.
On the issue of ATD and Fundraising
It was a pleasure to attend this meeting on Zoom that was to discuss the possiblity of new core funding for ATD.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde.
‘I think it's all of us, you know. I think it's not about me. It's about the kind of country we are called to be. And that's what I did my best to try and speak to, to present an alternative to the culture of contempt, and to say that we can bring multiple perspectives into a common space and do so with dignity and respect. And that we need that, and the culture of contempt is threatening to destroy us. And I'm getting a little bit of a taste of that this week.’
Still in Debt!
‘Today, 54 countries are in debt crisis, with devastating impacts on people’s lives and livelihoods.
This paper identifies the structural causes of reoccurring debt crises and highlights their impacts on the world’s poorest communities.’ How can we be pilgrims of Hope?
Did you know?
Did you know?
Irish Laws on Gender Based Violence part of Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
Irish Laws on Gender Based Violence part of Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
Statement by the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (SERP) Institute
Statement by the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (SERP) Institute
The passing of Jimmy Carter RIP reminds us of his incredible role in transforming Irish law which recognises prostitution as gender-based violence, according to the Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (SERP) Institute.
Director of the only independent research institute providing insights on commercial sexual exploitational in Ireland, Ruth Breslin said:
“A decade ago Jimmy Carter personally wrote to all elected TDs and Senators in Leinster House making clear that prostitution is ‘violence towards women and girls.’ He encouraged them to make Ireland an international leader by outlawing the purchase of sex.
The late President was ‘particularly encouraged by the unanimous political support for such measures" adding that Ireland has an opportunity ’to take a lead in this important issue and inspire others to follow.’
His intervention was timely and ultimately successful. It will always be part of President Carter’s legacy.
We owe it to his memory to constantly keep our laws, policies and regulations up to date and effective against a billion-euro trade which profits from exploitation, abuse and violence.”
Domestic Violence on the Increase.
We are reminded that our IPA Advocacy Focus at the UN is the elimination of violence against women and girls.
‘New statistics show a steady and significant rise — on average 10% per year — in domestic violence incidents reporte New statistics show a steady and significant rise — on average 10% per year — in domestic violence incidents reported to gardaí:
65,114 incidents in 2024 — an increase of 5,489 (+9%);
59,625 cases in 2023 — a rise of 5,850 (11%);
53,775 incidents in 2022 — up 4,462 (9%);
49,313 cases in 2021’
A breach of the government’s legal obligations under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.’
‘Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), represented by Community Law and Mediation, is challenging the government’s 2023 Climate Action Plan in the High Court this week.
FIE is arguing that the 2023 Climate Action Plan and its Annex of Actions fail to demonstrate with sufficient specificity how emissions will fall in line with Ireland’s carbon budgets. It says this amounts to a breach of the government’s legal obligations under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.’
New survey findings show large majority of young people in Ireland are anxious about climate change Click HERE to read
New survey findings show large majority of young people in Ireland are anxious about climate change Click HERE to read
New data from the 2024 Youth Climate Justice Survey announced by ECO-UNESCO at Earth Gala event
New data from the 2024 Youth Climate Justice Survey announced by ECO-UNESCO at Earth Gala event
Almost three out of four young people aged 14-29 in Ireland (73 per cent) are anxious when thinking about climate change, while one out of three are feeling hopeful regarding climate action. That’s according to newly released interim findings from the 2024 Youth Climate Justice Survey*, a joint initiative between ECO-UNESCO and SpunOut.ie, which highlights how young people in Ireland feel about climate justice issues.
The new data was announced by ECO-UNESCO ─ Ireland’s leading environmental education youth organisation ─ together with five other prominent national youth organisations – Feachtas, Irish Girl Guides, the No Name Club, Poppintree Youth Project and Young Irish Filmmakers ─ at ECO-UNESCO’s annual Earth Gala climate justice event held on 7th December at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
The climate justice event was attended by special guest the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Donna Cooney, while Stefania Giannini, assistant director-general for education at UNESCO, welcomed participants to the day with a video message highlighting the importance of youth participation.
A new Youth Climate Justice Manifesto drawn up at the Earth Gala brought together young people, scholars, policymakers, charity leaders and advocates from across the country to collaborate on solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.
The day celebrated young people’ action projects as ECO-UNESCO Youth Climate Advocates, and participants worked closely with noted illustrator and artist Maeve Clancy to develop a climate justice communications campaign with interactive comics. Partner organisations presented local climate action projects that they developed over the past months, which included a climate justice mural in Dublin’s Ballymun.
A youth panel discussion on the topic of ‘Voices for Change: How Can Young People be Advocacy Champions?’ was led by the UN Youth Delegate for Ireland and representatives from the Youth Advisory Panel at the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.
Commenting, national director, ECO-UNESCO, Elaine Nevin said: “We were thrilled to welcome over 70 young people from around Ireland to our annual Earth Gala, which is a fantastic opportunity for our Youth Climate Advocates to come together, to share their local action projects and to celebrate their achievements. This year, young people had the opportunity to speak with key experts and policy makers, and to develop a manifesto around climate and environmental issues.
“Our interim Youth Climate Justice Survey results for 2024 show that young people are feeling very anxious about climate change, but that one in three are also hopeful. This is important as young people can feel overwhelmed considering the climate and biodiversity loss, but it is important that organisations like ECO-UNESCO can provide a positive outlet and a channel through which young people can take action.”
The Youth Climate Justice Survey collects the views of more than 1,000 young people in Ireland aged 14-29 every year. The 2024 survey is running until 31st December and can be accessed here. The survey is also available in Irish and can be accessed here.
ECO-UNESCO’s Earth Gala
ECO-UNESCO’s Earth Gala
The Earth Gala climate justice event is an in-person event which is part of the Youth Climate Advocate Programme at ECO-UNESCO, funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, through the Youth Climate Justice Fund. It is an annual celebration of youth-led climate action that fosters meaningful conversations on climate justice and advocacy.
Earth Gala showcased innovative projects addressing the climate crisis led by young people from ECO-UNESCO and partner bodies, including fellow national youth organisations Feachtas, Irish Girl Guides, the No Name Club, Poppintree Youth Project and Young Irish Filmmakers.
For more information about ECO-UNESCO, see www.ecounesco.ie.
There have been some changes to the IPA Website. This website is well worth a look.
4 Years for Climate Activism!
‘In fact, I have found more people in prison who accept me and recognise the need to work against climate breakdown and reform our systems than I have in my community outside these walls.’ (Sent to us by a Friend of Nano).
Workshop alert
Understanding & Influencing the Irish Government with @oxfamireland and @IrishRefugeeCo
Passionate about defending and promoting the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees?
Workshop open to anyone committed to #socialjustice, from newcomers to seasoned #activists
The National Justice and Peace Network have published their Spring Newlsetter and this can be read below or HERE
Spring 2025 Newsletter.pdfImmigrant Council of Ireland calls on incoming government to reset narrative on migration to Ireland
Immigrant Council of Ireland calls on incoming government to reset narrative on migration to Ireland
Immigrant Council Impact Report 2023 shows positive contribution of migrant communities
On International Migrants Day 2024, the Immigrant Council of Ireland has released its 2023 Impact Report and outlined its recommendations to inform the next Programme for Government.
In 2023, the Immigrant Council of Ireland supported migrant communities in Ireland in integrating successfully and achieving their rights and potential. In 2023 the Immigrant Council of Ireland:
Supported 4007 callers through its national telephone helpline service, on a broad range of issues relating to the immigration system, including:
729 issues relating to acquiring Irish citizenship
693 issues relating to family reunification
475 issues relating to issues of renewing immigration permissions in the state
In addition, through its Independent Law Centre status, the Immigrant Council of Ireland supported hundreds of legal case files, including:
219 cases related to unaccompanied minor children (a number which has risen in 2024)
138 cases of gender-based violence, of which 39 were cases supporting survivors of human trafficking.
Through its capacity building work with migrant communities and frontline services, the organisation:
Supported 13 interns through its Migrant-Councillor Internship scheme
Trained 18 participants originally from 11 different countries through its Migrant Leadership Academy
Trained 1227 frontline service providers in Intercultural Competency, ranging from civil society and community organising to State services and local government
The organisation also released several research pieces, toolkits and guides for improving the integration of migrant communities.
Commenting on the Impact Report 2023, CEO Brian Killoran stated: “As can be seen from the issues raised by communities and the supports provided by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the wellbeing of migrant communities in Ireland is of great importance. Those who have come to Ireland to work, study, join family, or seek protection are an asset to this country, and we as a country must continue to support their integration process and value their contributions. Migration is crucial to Ireland, and yet the past 24 months have seen much negative commentary on migration and diversity. While there are challenges, we must not view this issue through the lens of crisis, we must broaden the conversation on migration to reflect the positive contributions of migrants, and to discuss how we as a country move forward together.”
Reflecting on the current negotiations on the formation of government, Brian Killoran added: “It is of vital importance that the incoming government, whomever it is composed of, take the opportunity to reset the negative tone of commentary on migration. We have a choice as a country on how we develop better responses and supports for those who migrate here, and the toxic narrative which has taken hold in other countries has no place here. We are a country of emigrants, whose nationals have enriched countless other countries as they travelled for opportunity and, at times, sheer necessity. Those who come to Ireland are no different, they are human beings deserving of respect, dignity and the right to live their lives in safety.”
The Immigrant Council of Ireland also urged the incoming government to set a vision and approach for migration and integration in Ireland going forward which ensures that each member of our communities are valued and respected.
There are currently 35 conflicts raging in Africa and yet we only hear news of the most injurious of these conflicts. Each month the German Antenna of the AEFJN produce an informative Newsletter (sometimes fortnightly) and we include the most recent issue below.
Africa_News_20__December_2024.pdf
The tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’ offers faith communities the opportunity to celebrate the invitation that Laudato Si’ places before us. More HERE
The tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’ offers faith communities the opportunity to celebrate the invitation that Laudato Si’ places before us. More HERE
Formation and Human Trafficking.
I was delighted to have spent a morning with the international group of 19 religious sisters and priests currently participating in this year's Religious Formation Ministry Programme at Loreto House, Stillorgan, Dublin, Ireland.
A morning of dynamic & active engagement as we shared about all aspects of human trafficking, how we collaborate nationally & internationally as APT - Act to Prevent Trafficking with An Garda Síochána Talitha Kum Renate Mecpath Campaign AMRI Cork Against Human Trafficking Misean Cara UISG International Union of Superiors General Presentation Sisters Justice Desk for Ireland & England
This group of formators have a specific responsibsility with respect to the education and formation of the new religious in their communities. We spoke to them as a group on the issue of Human Trafficking.
Wishing Jennifer Burke RJM, Director of the Programme all the best for the remainder of the term & God's speed to the wonderful & engaging participants who hailed from Africa, Czechia and Asia
St Bridit's Lecture
St. Brigit's Annual Lecture - 6th February at 7.30pm
Go to https://www.tcd.ie/.../news-2025/st-brigits-day-lecture/ for more information.
Grandparents against Racism
Where are the children?
"We know that the reason for their disappearance can vary from inefficient guardian-appointment procedures; fear of deportation; the desire to join family or friends in another country; and violence and abuse, including labour and criminal exploitation #humantraffickingawareness
Bishop Coll and his Bookmark of Hope
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse