September 2009

WOLA Honors Tlachinollan Human Rights Center from Mexico with the 2009 WOLA Human Rights Award   Global Land Grab Undermines Food Security in the Developing World   Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Edward M. Kennedy, R.I.P.   Announcing the 2009 Mission Conference   Justice for Immigrants 2009 Philadelphia Regional Convening   Catholic Network of Volunteer Services National Conference   Catholic Relief Services Public Policy/Advocacy web pages

WOLA Honors Tlachinollan Human Rights Center from Mexico with the 2009 WOLA Human Rights Award

Washington, D.C., -- The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is pleased to announce the Tlachinollan Human Rights Center  from Mexico as the recipient of our 2009 Human Rights Award, an award given each year to organizations or individuals who significantly contribute to the promotion of human rights in Latin America.

"Tlachinollan stands out for its avant-garde work with the marginalized indigenous populations in Mexico," affirms WOLA’s Executive Director, Joy Olson. "The Center’s dedicated staff, often at their own personal risk, defends important cases of human rights violations against this vulnerable population." 

Tlachinollan, based in Tlapa de Comonfort, has worked for over 15 years in one of the poorest regions in Mexico: the Montaña and Costa Chica regions of the state of Guerrero, where poverty, discrimination, and abandonment of the indigenous communities are common and these communities are deprived of the right to justice and dignity. A target for Mexico’s "dirty war" against left-wing rebels from 1964-1982, Guerrero has now become an important state for drug production as well as transit; to which the government’s response has been further militarization. During its first ten years (1994-2004), Tlachinollan documented 68 cases of human rights violations by the Mexican military involving torture, forced disappearance, and the rape of indigenous women. In 2009 alone, Tlachinollan documented 14 cases of military abuses.

In addition to continuously denouncing the dangers of militarization in Guerrero, Tlachinollan has tirelessly worked for indigenous communities’ access to education, health services, and justice. In 2007, the Center co-founded with two other Mexican organizations the Civilian Police Monitor of the Police and Security Forces in the Montaña Region of Guerrero. This innovative project monitors and documents abuses by security forces operating in the region and seeks a resolution to these abuses for the victims, including defending police whose labor rights have been violated.

In February 2009, Tlachinollan was forced to close their offices in Ayutla de los Libres, Guerrero due to threats, intimidation and persecution of indigenous rights activists who collaborate with the Center, including the murder of two indigenous leaders in February.  In May 2009, the Inter-American Court on Human Rights granted provisional measures for over 100 human rights defenders in the state of Guerrero, including all the staff of Tlachinollan.

"We are honored to have Tlachinollan receive our 2009 Human Rights Award," states Olson. "At a time when the human rights situation in Mexico, and in Guerrero, is of grave concern, WOLA reaffirms its commitment to work with partners like Tlachinollan in the defense of human rights."

For more information contact: Maureen Meyer, Associate for Mexico and Central America at WOLA, mmeyer@wola.org, 202-797-2171; Teresa de la Cruz, Communications Coordinator at Tlachinollan Human Rights Center, tere_delacruz@hotmail.com, +52 (757) 476-1200.

Global Land Grab Undermines Food Security in the Developing World

[The following is excerpted from a report by Food and Water Watch.  You can read the whole report here.]

Over the past five years, a little-noticed wave of investors has been snapping up fields and forests in some of the poorest developing countries. Governments, sovereign wealth funds and companies from rapidly industrializing or oil-rich developing nations have purchased or leased millions of acres of land in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.  The trend is likely to continue. In June 2009, representatives from 200 financial and agribusiness firms gathered in New York to discuss agricultural investments in the developing world.  These investments in some of the most productive agricultural land threaten to further undermine food security and sustainable rural economic development in the developing world.…

The new global land and water grabs form the latest chapter of corporate-driven globalization that prioritizes export-oriented production over sustainable global food security. Foreign land investors could dislocate millions of people from productive assets and resources such as land, water, fish, seeds, technology and traditional wisdom. Fortunately, a broad movement of citizens and farmers has emerged to fight this trend and already has scuttled some of the proposed land grabs. In 2008, opposition to a proposed South Korean lease of millions of acres in Madagascar collapsed the deal and contributed to the fall of Madagascar government.

The Philippines government reportedly blocked a deal with China over food security and concerns about the proposal’s terms and legality.

These land deals need to fully consider the food security and customary land rights of existing rural communities. The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food stressed the need for governments to preserve food security in any proposed land deal.

Such deals must be negotiated transparently with full consent of the affected local com-munities. The investments should be environmentally sustainable and provide quality employment opportunities for local people. The sales revenue should benefit local communities and a portion of the investor’s production should be provided to local food markets to avoid exaggerating food insecurity.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Edward M. Kennedy, R.I.P.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics, and Edward M. Kennedy, long-serving senator from Massachusetts and Eunice’s brother, both died in August, marking the passing of a generation of Kennedys in public life.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver is best known as the founder of the Special Olympics.  Below are some responses to her passing:

From Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio, on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI:

August 10, 2009

To the Family of Eunice Kennedy Shriver,

As the official and personal representative of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in the United States of America, I wish to convey to all of you, especially to Sargent and to Bobby, Maria, Timothy, Mark and Anthony, the warm greetings and paternal affection of the Holy Father.

His Holiness unites himself spiritually with each of you at this difficult time, holding close to his heart Eunice as she is called home to eternal life and trusting in the words of Sacred Scripture: "What will separate us from the love of Christ?" (Romans 8:35)

It is the Holy Father's fervent prayer that the good Lord, Who is never outdone in generosity, will grant this woman of ardent faith and generous public service the reward of her many labors, particularly on behalf of those who are physically and mentally challenged, and that, as a Family, you will help comfort one another with the assurance of your faith in Christ Jesus, our Hope.

Making my own the sentiments of His Holiness, I remain, with cordial and respectful regards,

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Apostolic Nuncio

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston called Shriver "a champion for all Americans and we give thanks for her commitment, care and love for all people."

"Her death is a great loss for our Catholic community, but her life has left a deep and lasting impression upon the hearts of those who knew her and her work," he said.

In a letter to the Shrivers' daughter, Maria, who is the wife of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger L. Mahony said her mother's "extraordinary commitment to living out the Gospel values was an inspiration and source of strength for all whose lives she touched."

"Her faith and generous spirit motivated her to reach out in love to make our society more aware of the dignity and gifts of all people, especially the mentally handicapped, the poor and the marginalized," he wrote.

[The complete story is available from Catholic News Service.]

Message from Timothy Shriver
Chairman, Special Olympics

My mother has always been about hope, love and opportunity. Love being the most important. For what do we have, if we do not have love? Hope for helping us through each day when life challenges us. And, opportunity that each one of us is empowered to create to make the world a better place. My mother believed in these things so strongly and they have played a major role in her life, especially, her work with people with intellectual disabilities.

To this day, the mission of Special Olympics is rooted in the values of hope, love and opportunity. To create an opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities where they can compete, experience success and showcase their talents to the world. To create a community of hope and welcome for the athletes and their families where they can experience joy and acceptance. And, to let others share in the love and joy that comes from the athletes so openly and unencumbered. That is the essence of my mother's vision.
The mission of Special Olympics remains unchanged since she wrote it in a hotel meeting room nearly 40 years ago.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

It is through her relentless determination, passion, courage and the hard work of her and many others that her vision is being realized by millions of people the world over. She has inspired people around the globe to become believers and follow in her footsteps.

To each of you that visit this site and read of my mother's work, I hope you will leave inspired and embracing the values of love, hope and opportunity in your own life. And, I challenge each of you to further my mother's work and vision -- reach out to a person with intellectual disabilities who every day is looking for hope, love and opportunity. When we open our eyes to that which is around us it is so simple to do. Smile, reach out and say hello to those with intellectual disabilities in your schools and your communities. Get involved and volunteer with your local Special Olympics. I guarantee your life will be enriched and you will get back more than you give.

For as my mother said, "As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us."

Senator Edward Kennedy died on August 26 after a long struggle against brain cancer.

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston:  "For nearly half a century, Sen. Kennedy was often a champion for the poor, the less fortunate and those seeking a better life.  Across Massachusetts and the nation, his legacy will be carried on through the lives of those he served."

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles:  "The voiceless, the powerless, and the most needy of our citizens have lost a great champion with the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  Even though he lived in the far northeast corner of our country, he had a deep and personal sense of the needs of the poorest across the land.  He never tired in speaking up for them and their rights and needs.

"His deep and personal commitment to causes affecting the poor and needy among us flowed from his deep Catholic faith, and the life and outreach of Jesus Christ.  He knew well the words and command of Jesus found in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel.

"My last collaboration with Senator Kennedy was in 2007 when he and Senator John McCain introduced the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007.  With immigrant roots himself, Senator Kennedy was keenly aware of the plight of immigrant peoples in our nation and was an advocate for their rights and their full inclusion into the culture and economy of our country.

"I marveled at his ability to work with Senators from both political parties, always open to listen and to find ways to accommodate their views and to craft compromises that would benefit those most in need.  While that comprehensive immigration reform measure was never voted on by the full Senate, its various features and overall outline remain in place for eventual reform legislation.

"Senator Kennedy never gave up on issues affecting the most needy citizens in our midst.  He became their voice and their supporter regardless of misunderstanding and opposition.  That same passion led him to fight energetically for health care reform to include all Americans, for quality public school education, for minimum wage and benefit provisions for all workers, for the farm workers of the country, and for those with disabilities.

"His recent struggle with cancer inspired many as he carried forward his many legislative issues to benefit the most needy even as his health and energies declined.  He was relentless in his commitment to the people and causes which he embraced so wholeheartedly.

"Over the years, however, I was never able to bring him to promote fundamental rights for one important group in our society—the unborn.  But he did struggle with this aspect of his Catholic faith, and I was hopeful that at some point he would see that all of his work for the most needy had to begin with a commitment to every person—born and unborn.

"May God receive him into the fullness of life and light in the Kingdom of Heaven, and may his passionate concern for others inspire us all."

[The story "Kennedy praised for public service but faulted for stand on unborn" about Kennedy’s passing is available on the Catholic News Service web site.]

Announcing the 2009 Mission Conference

Every year, the United States Catholic Mission Association (USCMA) organizes a Mission Conference that helps deepen, enrich, and challenge our mission perspectives. It has been the venue for networking of those involved in mission both domestic and abroad. As an annual Mission Conference, it has helped usher in new initiatives in the promotion of mission and global solidarity.

This year, USCMA is proud to announce its 2009 Mission Conference:

BEHOLD I CREATE A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH
Seeing Mission with New Eyes
Hilton New Orleans Airport
New Orleans, LA
October 23-25, 2009

Four hundred years ago, Galileo’s breakthrough use of the telescope provided the world with a new vision - one that extends to the stars and planets of our galaxy. Today, as we are confronted with the changing realities of mission, we are called to see with new eyes what God is unfolding before us. And together, gather from our vision, a mission that moves us towards a new heaven and a new earth.

"Behold I Create a New Heaven and a New Earth: Seeing Mission with New Eyes" invites us

• to see with a sense of urgency God’s invitation to participate in God’s mission;
• to extend our vision beyond the now and gather wisdom and strength from our faith tradition with its hope for a future where God’s reign becomes fully alive;
• to respond creatively to a new heaven and a new earth that God is revealing before our very eyes.  

The 2009 Mission Conference will feature keynote speaker, Rev. Anthony Gittins, CSSP, Professor of Mission and Culture at the Catholic Theological Union. Dr. Gittins is a renowned scholar, presenter, author, and expert on issues pertaining to mission and culture.  Together with 13 other speakers, this Mission Conference is promising to be a very timely and exciting one!

The 2009 Mission Conference will also feature a New Orleans Immersion Experience where participants will be transported to interesting locations in New Orleans. Using the lens of the New Orleans’ rebuilding experience, we explore mission creativity, partnership, and effectiveness arising out of chaos and disorder.

A Saturday liturgy will be celebrated at the St. Louis Cathedral located at the Spanish Plaza de Armas, now Jackson Square, in the French Quarter. This will be followed by a night out at the French Quarter to give participants time to enjoy another side of New Orleans.

The Registration fee which includes trip to the immersion sites, meeting materials, refreshments, and meals (except for the night out) is $299 for USCMA members ($315 after September 23) and $315 for non USCMA members ($335 after September 23). You may register online at www.uscatholicmission.org or contact us at 202-832 3112 for more information.

Justice for Immigrants 2009 Philadelphia Regional Convening

Catholic Network of Volunteer Services National Conference

2009 CNVS National Conference

THEME: Called to Community

DATE: November 12-15, 2009

LOCATION: Durham, North Carolina

Catholic Network of Volunteer Services  (CNVS) 32nd National Conference will take place in Durham, North Carolina, at the Marriott Durham at The Civic Center. The conference will open at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 12, and conclude Sunday, November 15, at 11 a.m. 

Click here to register online

Sponsorship, Exhibit and Advertisement Opportunities: For more information on how you might be able to reach our participants, please contact Jack Pruitt, Jr., Director of Development at 301-270-0900 ext. 19 or download our 2009 Conference Sponsorship, Exhibit and Advertisement Brochure.

Pre-Conference: Dr. Ralph Piedmont (Loyola College in Maryland) will present the NEO Personality Inventory. Dr. Piedmont will walk particpants through the assessment so that the inventory may be used in assessing applicants. The assessment will show how ready applicants are for community living, working with different types of people, maturity level, openness to new ideas, etc. The pre-conference workshop will take place Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Keynote Speakers:

• Barbara Bowe, RSCJ, Director of the Biblical Spirituality Program at Catholic Theological Union
• Mike Hayes, Managing Editor of BustedHalo.com and author of Googling God
• Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Author, Director of the School for Conversion, and a leader in the new monastic movement

The 2009 CNVS National Conference Brochure  is now available. For more detailed information and questions about the 2009 CNVS National Conference, please e-mail Alyssa at cnvsinfo@cnvs.org or call 301-270-0900 ext. 10.

Catholic Relief Services Public Policy/Advocacy web pages

The public policy and advocacy web pages of CRS have been updated.  You’ll find sections on all of our advocacy priorities – Global Hunger, Global HIV, Global Migration (including Comprehensive Immigration Reform and Human Trafficking), Foreign Aid Reform, Iraqi Refugees, Afghanistan, Colombia, DRC, Israel/Palestine, Sudan, and Extractives - as well as our policy positions, advocacy resources, and materials listed on these pages. 

• assists major superiors in their role as leaders; • promotes dialogue and collaboration with the conference of bishops and other major groups in church and society; • provides a corporate influence in church and society.

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