communications, Author at Franciscans International

Franciscans International delivered oral statements on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, Sri Lanka, climate change, human trafficking, migration, and reprisals.

Item 2: General Debate (25 June 2019)
In a join statement Fr. Ashok Stephen expressed condolences to the victims of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka as well as solidarity with the Muslim communities that have been subjected to reprisals, hostility, suspicion, and discrimination in its aftermath. He warned that the bombings cannot be used as an excuse to further delay reconciliation, justice, and accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the country’s civil war and called on the Council to continue to strengthen its engagement with Sri Lankan authorities.

• Full statement

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on migrants (25 June 2019)
Sister Diana Muñoz FMM, Director of the Betania Santa Martha shelter, called attention to the alarming increase in the number of migrant women and children arriving in Mexico, often under perilous conditions.

• Full statement (Spanish)

Item 3: Clustered interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons (27 June 2019)
Using the emblematic case of Adelina Sau, who was killed in February 2018 by her employer, this joint statement highlighted the issue of trafficking, inhumane treatment, and exploitation of migrant workers from Indonesia in Malaysia.

• Full statement

Item 3: General Debate (1 July)
In a joint statement, Franciscans International voiced its regret that the Government of Japan failed to submit follow-up information to the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression on the implementation of recommendations made previously. We also highlighted several cases of concern that have been reported in the country.

• Full statement

Item 4: General Debate (3 July)
Franciscans International expressed its grave concern that the President of Sri Lanka recently signed four death warrants, after a 43-year moratorium. This situation is confounded by serious deficiencies in the country’s justice system, which increase the possibility of a wrongful conviction. The statement also denounced reprisals against refugees in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist bombings.

• Full statement

Item 5: General Debate (4 July)
Special mandate holders fulfill a key role as the eyes and ears of the Council. Nevertheless, there has been a pattern of reprisals and non-cooperation by States, including the Philippines, Burundi, Eritrea, the Maldives, and Myanmar. In a joint statement, we urged the President of the Human Rights Council to immediately act when such reprisals occur.

• Full statement

Item 6: Universal Periodic Review outcome of Vanuatu (4 July)
Franciscans International commended the Government of Vanuatu for accepting all recommendation relating to climate change made during its Universal Periodic Review (UPR). We further called on the Council to conduct a study to determine whether UPR recommendations have brought coherence and positive impacts on climate policy and action at the national level.

• Full statement

Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (9 July 2019)
In December 2019, presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo raised hopes for a break with the old system of governance. However, six months later, a new political stalemate looms ahead of local elections in September 2019. In a joint statement we called on the government to work with the United Nations’ MONUSCO mission to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.

• Full statement (French)

Panel on Women’s Rights and Climate Change (28 June 2019)
An analytical study by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights recently concluded that, while women play a key role in safeguarding traditional knowledge and practices that can protect the climate, they are often also disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. During the examination of the study by the Council, we asked panelists for recommendations to ensure the full and equal participation of women in decision-making, planning, and implementation of climate policy.

• Full statement

Throughout the 41st session of the Human Rights Council, we will organize and co-sponsor a number of side-events where experts and human rights defenders discuss key thematic and country specific issues.

#NoCasteLeftBehind: Dalit Women and Gender Justice
• 25 June 2019 • 14.30 – 15.30 • Room IX, Palais des Nations

Come join us in exploring why ending caste and gender discrimination is key to achieving the Global Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind.

This side-event aims to promote a conversation between Dalit women human rights defenders and UN experts about the practical means by which the UN human rights system can contribute to achieving SDG 5 for over a hundred million caste affected women. The panel format used at this event aims to enhance the participation of the audience, as well of the digital audience of the event.

A recording of the side event is available here.

Human Rights Situation of Migrants in Mexico and Central America
• 25 June 2019 • 15.30 – 16.30 • Room IX, Palais des Nations

In 2018, four waves of migrants brought renewed attention to the human rights situation in Central America. Although the causes driving this exodus were not new, people seeking refuge from violence and extreme poverty do so in a context that is increasingly hostile toward them and those trying to offer assistance – including human rights defenders.Cases of discrimination, violence, enforced disappearances, as well as violations of the right to claim asylum have been documented by several national and international organizations. Meanwhile, official policies dealing with migrants have become more aggressive, and now include mass deportations and family separation.

This side-event will provide an opportunity to discuss the most recent developments in Central America: human rights defenders and experts directly involved in providing support to migrants will share their experiences, and further explore the obligations of countries of origin, transit, and destination.

A recording of the side event is available here.

Climate change, poverty, and human rights
• 28 June 2019 • 9.30 – 10.30 • Room IX, Palais des Nations

Scientists and development actors agree that the consequences of climate change will disproportionately impact persons living in poverty and undermine decades of development as the planet continues to warm. During this side-event, panelists will explore solutions towards an effective integration of human rights into climate action to achieve poverty alleviation and sustainable development.Models that connect the dots between commitments on sustainable development, climate action and human rights will be discussed as government, United Nations, and civil society representatives share their experiences in developing, implementing, and supporting national climate change policies that are inclusive and in line with the ‘leave no one behind’ aspiration.

A recording of the side event is available here.

Integrating a human rights perspective in climate action
• 28 June 2019 • 12.00 – 13.00 • Room XV, Palais des Nations

During the 41st session of the Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights will present its analytical study on gender-responsive climate action for the full and effective enjoyment of the rights of women. This comes at a critical time in the implementation of the Paris Agreement, as States are required to submit new or updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) in 2020.

This side-event will provide a platform to discuss the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights, particularly of women, youth, minority groups, and indigenous communities. It will also explore the imperative to ensure that human rights are included in States’ climate policies and actions at all levels and reaffirm the crucial role of the Council in addressing and integrating a human rights perspective in climate change processes.

A recording of the side event is available here.

Women’s and girls’ rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: what future?
• 8 July 2019 • 12.00 – 13.00 • Room XXVII, Palais des Nations

Despite international attention to the issue of sexual violence in conflict, and some formal advances in the field of women’s rights, the situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly of those exposed to multiple factors of discrimination remains extremely concerning.

As the DRC opens a new chapter in its history and undergoes its 8th review by the CEDAW Committee, the rights of women and girls and their effective participation must be at the center of the new government’s priorities.This event will address issues affecting Congolese women and girls, including the impact of mining activities, gender-based and sexual violence, women’s participation in political and public life, the impact of armed violence on women, particularly in Kasaï and Ituri, as well as the situation of indigenous women.

A recording of the side event is available here.

We, the undersigned organisations, write with concern for the safety of refugees and asylum seekers in Sri Lanka in the wake of the Easter Sunday attacks.

Over 250 people were killed, and hundreds injured in the Easter Sunday attacks on April 21, 2019. We condemn these attacks and call upon the authorities in Sri Lanka to identify and prosecute the perpetrators and take steps to prevent further attacks.

The authorities in Sri Lanka should also take steps to maintain order and prevent retaliatory vigilante actions. Unfortunately, refugees and asylum seekers have been unfairly targeted and displaced after the attacks, with landlords under local pressure to evict them from their homes.

Sri Lanka has a history of providing sanctuary to South Asians and others fleeing persecution in their home countries. However, after the recent attacks, out of approximately 1,600 refugees and asylum seekers currently in Sri Lanka, about 1,200 people from Pakistan and Afghanistan, most of them identified as Muslims, have fled their homes due to the fear, threats and intimidation they experienced in their neighbourhoods. Additionally, refugees and asylum seekers from Iran also fear for their safety. There are also several Christians that have been displaced.

Some refugees and asylum seekers from Pakistan and Afghanistan have also experienced property damage, mob violence and threats.

Those who have fled their homes have, at present, found temporary shelter and protection with Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities and religious places of worship. We recognise and welcome these gestures to share spiritual and professional spaces in order to provide protection in times of crisis. Their future at these shelters however, is extremely insecure as they are not only at risk of being turned out of these spaces, they may be at risk of deportation.

The refugees and asylum seekers at risk include members from the Ahmadi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Shi’a Hazaras from Afghanistan, and refugees from Iran who fled religious ethnic and political persecution in their countries. Sri Lanka has provided refuge and hosted these communities while their cases are processed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Some others have had their claims rejected and there is concern that Sri Lanka may want to send them back. There is intense anti-Ahmadiyya violence and discriminatory laws in Pakistan, often exacerbated by the government’s pandering to groups using inflammatory language against the Ahmadis.

In these circumstances we appeal to the government of Sri Lanka to:

Ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are not deported or otherwise forced to return to their countries of origin or any other place where their lives or freedoms would be at risk, which would represent a violation of the international legal principle of non-refoulement;
Deploy adequate law enforcement officers to ensure the protection and security of vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, especially those who are now displaced, and provide basic humanitarian assistance including food, water, shelter, sanitation, and other social services in line with the minimum core content of their economic, social and cultural rights;
Urgently relocate the refugees sheltering in a police station and places of worship to appropriate locations with adequate sanitation, sleeping space, and security. Work with UNHCR to ensure the welfare of the many small children among the refugees;
Seek UNHCR assistance in managing settlements so that they are not de facto detention camps and make efforts to ensure their safety;
Clarify publicly that any attacks on these vulnerable groups will not be tolerated, and reiterate that these attacks will be investigated with the view of bringing perpetrators to justice;
Work with third countries who have already agreed to resettle some of the refugees to urgently expedite the settlement process.

We call upon the UNHCR to support the government in ensuring refugee protections.

Organisations:

Amnesty International;
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA);
Franciscans International;
Freedom from Torture;
Human Rights Watch;
International Commission of Jurists;
International Human Rights Committee;
International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR);
Medico international;
Minority Rights Group;
South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR);
Sri Lanka Advocacy in Germany;
The All Survivors Project;
The International Working Group on Sri Lanka;
The Sri Lanka Campaign, UK;
The US Counsel on Sri Lanka.

Individuals:

Bob Rae
Professor, Munk School, University of Toronto,
Senior Counsel, OKT LLP Law FirmToronto
Canada
Jennifer M. Green
Associate Professor
Human Rights Clinic, University of Minnesota Law School
United States of America
Judith Large
Senior Research Fellow,
The Conflict Analysis Research Centre, University of Kent
United Kingdom
Malcolm Rodgers
Former Head of International Affairs, the British Refugee Council
United Kingdom
Mytili Bala
Former Robert L. Bernstein International Human Rights Fellow
United States of America

Franciscans International has been made aware of the allegations against Brother Tomás González Castillo, founder and former coordinator of the migrant shelter La 72, in Tenosique, Mexico, concerning abuse, harassment, and physical and psychological violence. These allegations were published on 27 March by a former female volunteer of the shelter, who received support on 29 March in a letter from other former volunteers.

The shelter is one of the institutions that FI has been working with on the issue of human rights of migrants in the region. FI takes these allegations seriously and is therefore monitoring the situation.

As a human rights organization, we want the right of victims of human rights violations to an effective remedy to be guaranteed, in particular in cases of gender-based violence. This includes first the right to an independent, impartial, and appropriate investigation.

The report focusses on issues related to the right to water, mining, and transboundary waters. It was prepared in collaboration with the Central American Network on Transboundary Waters from El Salvador (Red Centro Americana por la Defensa de las Aguas Transfronterizas – El Salvador Red-CAT). This network was founded in 2014 with different chapters in Central American countries and the participation of various civil society actors, indigenous communities, women, religious representatives, and environmental human right defenders.

Under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the human rights situation in each of the 193 UN member states is reviewed every five years. These reviews are based on a national report prepared by the state, a compilation of UN information by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a summary of information received from other stakeholders.

Download the report here (in Spanish)

Franciscans International delivered oral statements on Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, Indonesia (including West-Papua), Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue – Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism (1 March 2019)

Based on his July 2017 country visit, the Special Rapporteur on terrorism found that Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (1976) “provides for an overly broad and vague definition of terrorism, lengthy administrative detention and ineffective judicial review, and extremely broad rules concerning the admission of confessions.” Despite commitments made by the government in 2015, efforts to replace the Act have been slow. In a joint oral statement, Franciscans International voiced its concern that current drafts for the new Counter Terrorism Act still contains several flaws that contradict international human rights laws and standards. •

• Full statement

Item 3: Interactive Dialogue – Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context (4 March 2019)

On 25 January 2019, a tailing dam in Brumadinho breached, flooding a large area with toxic mud, destroying homes, and killing at least 179 people. This has not been the only mining disaster in Brazil’s recent history: the Mariana community continues to experience harmful environmental effects after a 2015 dam collapse. In the state of Minas Gerais alone, another 40 dams are at risk. Franciscans International called on States to realize the right to an effective remedy and reparations for those who had their right to housing violated, including the implementation of effective measures to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future.

• Full statement or video

Item 4: General Debate (13 March 2019)

In February 2019, Franciscans International joined an ecumenical mission to Indonesia, including the provinces of Papua and West-Papua, where delegates met with, among others, government representatives, civil society, and church leaders. While acknowledging positive efforts by the Indonesian government, Franciscan International raised its concern about the high levels of violence and other human rights violations that continue to be reported in West Papua.

• Full statement

Item 6: Universal Periodic Review (14 March 2019)

Under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the human rights situation in each of the 193 UN member states is reviewed every five years. These reviews are based on a national report prepared by the state, a compilation of UN information by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a summary of information received from other stakeholders. During the adoption of Malaysia’s UPR, Franciscans International delivered two joint oral statements, highlighting concerns about freedom of religion, the rights of indigenous communities, and the rights of migrants.

Item 10: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Democratic Republic of the Congo (19 March 2019)

In January 2019, the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw the first peaceful transition of power since the country gained independence in 1960. However, in the face of credible suspicions about the results, it is essential that urgent measures are taken to ensure the establishment of good governance. Franciscans International called on the new government to guarantee the rule of law, engage in a public dialogue to reduce tensions, and ensure that local communities can have a meaningful participation in decisions that affect them.

• Full statement

Item 2: Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (20 March 2019)

In her latest activity report on Guatemala, the High Commissioner for Human rights voiced her concern about proposed amendments to the National Reconciliation Act, which would grant general amnesty for crimes committed during the country’s civil war that ended in 1996. In a joint oral statement Franciscans International stressed the importance of access to justice as a means to end impunity, and called for free participation of indigenous peoples in Guatemala’s upcoming elections.

• Full statement (in Spanish and English)

Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka (20 March 2019)

Since 2015, Sri Lanka’s government has made slow progress in implementing the transitional justice mechanisms agreed in resolution 30/1. In a statement to the Council, Franciscans International highlighted a number of recent human rights violations that were committed with impunity, and stressed the importance of accountability as a key element toward peace and reconciliation.

• Full statement

Throughout the 40th session of the Human Rights Council, we will organize and co-sponsor a number of side-events where experts and human rights defenders discuss key thematic and country specific issues.

Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka
• 28 February 2019 • 13.30 – 14.30 • Room XXIV, Palais des Nations

In September 2015, following the adoption of resolution 30/1 by the Human Rights Council, the Government of Sri Lanka agreed to implement a number of recommendations made by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. These included the establishment of a commission for truth, justice, reconciliation and non-recurrence, an office of missing persons, and an office for reparations.

However, since then national and international civil society organizations have repeatedly voiced concerns about the government’s slow progress. This side-event will be used to provide an update on the implementation of resolution 30/1 and offer proposals for future action by the Council.

Fishing for Social Justice: Sailing between poverty and human rights
• 1 March 2019 • 13.30 – 14.30 • Room XXIII, Palais des Nations

The consumption of fish is an essential source of protein for many people, especially in densely populated countries where the overall intake is low. Beyond their contribution to food and nutritional security, fisheries are also a source of income and livelihood for 59.6 million people. In 2018, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and other People Working in Rural Areas, which specifically includes fisherfolks among its rights-holders. Nevertheless, small-scale fishers and their communities remain invisible in the debates within the UN Human Rights System and in many States.

This side-event will provide an opportunity to explore common strategies States and UN entities can take towards the realization of small-scale fishers’ and fishworkers’ rights, and tools that the rights holders themselves could use to hold their governments accountable.

Violence against women human rights defenders in Brazil
• 1 March 2019 • 15.00 – 16.00 • Room XXIV, Palais des Nations

Human rights defenders in Brazil face extreme risk, working in a context where they are increasingly exposed to violence and criminalization. Since 2015, 145 defenders have been killed in the country – the highest number worldwide. Women human rights defenders are particularly vulnerable, being subject to gender-specific threats and attacks in addition to the risk they already face.

This side-event will provide a platform for defenders and human rights experts to share their testimonies, discuss strategies to mitigate risk, and explore options to confront a context where violence against women happens with impunity.

Exploring the economic and social dimensions of the rights to life
• 6 March 2019 • 13.30 – 15.00 • Room XXIV, Palais des Nations

The Human Rights Committee’s adoption of a new General Comment on Article 6 of the ICCPR – the right to life – expands the understanding of this ‘supreme’ right, and acknowledges its strong interdependence and indivisibility with economic and social rights.

The event will explore the economic and social dimensions of the right to life and how the concept of a ‘life with dignity’ has influenced legal developments at the regional, national, and international levels. Panelists will critically examine whether recent developments have the potential to advance economic and social rights, including by providing a stepping stone towards full access to justice for persons living in poverty.

Mining disasters: Testimonies from Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• 6 March 2019 • 15.00 – 16.00 • Room XXIV, Palais des Nations

In January 2019, a tailing dam in the Brazilian state Minas Gerais breached, killing over 166 people. This is not the first time such a disaster occurred in the country: in 2015, the collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana left 19 dead. The environmental impact is felt to this day.

Issues of unsafe business practices, state negligence, and impunity are not confined to Brazil. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mining has left the population exposed to harmful metals. Human rights issues extend to working conditions, destruction of livelihoods, and gender-based violence.

This side-event will provide a platform for human rights defenders with first-hand experience of the damage caused by extractive industries. Based on their testimonies, experts will discuss key developments in human rights law, including those pertaining to business accountability for human rights abuses and environmental damage.

You can also watch a recording of the side-event.

The human rights situation in Indonesia
• 7 March 2019 • 14.30 – 15.30 • Room XXV, Palais des Nations

In February 2019, the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace delegation of the World Council of Churches visited the Provinces of Papua and West Papua, which was the first high-level civil society mission to do so in almost a decade.

Delegates met with a wide-range of stakeholders, including representatives of the government, security forces, and civil society actors. Persistent human rights issues continue to plague the territories, including the failure to implement the 2001 Law on Special Autonomy and to provide accountability for past abuses. The displacement of the indigenous populations is of particular concern: numbers provided by the Indonesian Center of Statistics in 2010 indicate that 52% of the population is now non-Papuan, compared to only 4% in 1970.

During the side-event, panelists will present the findings of the recent mission to Papua, discuss ongoing human rights violations and explore how the future of indigenous Papuans can be protected within existing international human rights frameworks.

You can also watch a recording of the side-event.

Francis of Assisi’s transformation from a wealthy merchant’s son, soldier, and prisoner of war into an advocate for human dignity and the preservation of nature closely mirrors the experience of many Franciscans in the 20th century. Their work in communities affected by poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation inspired them to establish Franciscans International 30 years ago, as a Franciscan voice at the United Nations advocating for global change.

“I think we felt an affinity. But not just an affinity – a responsibility. Because if the United Nations is the place where the actors who make decisions that have an impact on every human person and the planet gather, we need to be there: as a presence to build bridges, to bring people together, and to bring our experience from the grassroots, “ said Michael Perry, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor and President of the Conference of the Franciscan Family.

In that spirit, FI hosted a reception at its Geneva office on 15 March, which brought together many of our NGO partners, diplomats, and Franciscans from all over the world. This was not just a celebration: many of the guests have worked together for years in different human rights forums on issues close to their hearts. Coming together also provided an opportunity to reflect on the past, and explore new strategies going forward.

The reception was followed by a Mass on Saturday 16 March, presided over by Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. In his homily, Brother Michael Perry again empathized the strong relation between Franciscans and human rights:

“Love of enemy; prayer for those who persecute you. I believe that these biblical words find an echo in the Founding Charter of the UN. The invitation to all nations and peoples is to pursue a path where enemies are progressively transformed into potential friends – or at least potential allies – in the search to promote conditions for the fulfillment of human life: peace, security, mutual respect, and collaboration in promoting conditions for the integral advancement of all people.”

At the end of the Mass, he also presented FI’s International Board of Directors with a plaque commemorating St. Francis’ encounter with sultan Malek al-Kamil, as a reminder of the importance of continued dialogue and mutual respect.

Throughout 2019, FI is hosting a number of events to celebrate the accomplishments of the past three decades, call attention to the many challenges we still face, and share the roots of our organization.

Following resolution 37/24, the Human Rights Council met on 16 January for an intersessional meeting for dialogue and cooperation on human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a plan of action that includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 associated targets.

Respect and promotion of human rights and the SDGs are inextricably linked. However, three years after coming into force, insufficient financing by States to realize the 2030 Agenda has led to a tendency to turn to the private sector to fill these gaps, creating the risk that the economic, social and cultural rights of vulnerable groups are neglected.

Providing social services cannot be left to the vagaries of the market or to charity alone. Together with its partners, Franciscans International called on States who rely on private actors to establish a framework that regulates, monitors, and holds them accountable to ensure compliance with human rights.

The statement also highlighted our concern that the lack of action to address the causes and effects of climate change has already undermined decades of human rights and development gains. We urged states to prioritize rights-respecting climate action and rapid transition to rights-respecting, decarbonized sustainable development pathways.

The full statements is available here.

“What about those who remain home?”

Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear friends, As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the Holy Family itself found safety in Egypt after fleeing the threat of Herold the Great. Today, their experiences are shared by over 68 million people who have been displaced worldwide, often seeking safety from violence and poverty.

While the Holy Family found refuge, those that remained suffered greatly. Today, migrants and refugees take great risks as they traverse borders and seas. They do so to escape a fate much worse. Many of their friends and families are unable, or unwilling, to leave their homes.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, let us not only welcome our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters, but also work toward making the world a safer place for all.

On behalf of Franciscans International,

Markus Heinze OFM
Executive Director