communications, Author at Franciscans International

70 years ago, following the horrors of the second world war, members of the newly founded United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, its 30 articles have laid the foundation for international treaties, human rights instruments, and other laws.

While being a unique document, the Declaration enshrined values that were already core beliefs for many. 800 years ago, in his Letter to the Rulers of the People, St. Francis called on the powerful to respect human dignity, creation, and be unwavering in their commitment to peace. Following this long Franciscan tradition, Franciscans International advocates on behalf of victims of human rights abuses, to ensure that their voices are heard by today’s leaders at the United Nations.

2019 will mark Franciscans International’s 30th anniversary, and throughout the year we will be organizing a number of events to celebrate our achievements and reflect on the many challenges we still face. We invite you to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or subscribe to our newsletter (in English, French, Spanish, German, or Italian) to stay informed about all our upcoming activities.

Despite unprecedented levels of global prosperity, too many are still left by the wayside, adding to an ever-growing class of excluded people. Large scale industrial projects disproportionately affect those at the bottom of global production chains, with the consequences often invisible to those at the top. Addressing the impact business activities on human rights is one of the most challenging and topical issues for organizations like Franciscans International (FI).

The demand for new international binding rules to hold transnational corporations that commit human rights violations to account as they operate in an increasingly globalized and complex economic system dates back to at least the 1990s. However, these efforts have so far only resulted in non-binding agreements and guidelines that have failed to adequately protect the rights of victims.

A significant step was taken in 2014, when Human Rights Council resolution 26/9 established an open ended Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) to elaborate a treaty to prevent and remedy the negative impact on human rights caused by business activities. In October 2018, the IGWG convened in Geneva for its 4th session, where delegates discussed a zero draft – the first proposed text of a future treaty.

The protection of marginalized and economically vulnerable communities is deeply ingrained in the Franciscan tradition and Franciscans International (FI) has actively engaged the IGWG since its establishment by providing technical expertise and facilitating access to guests from affected communities to share their testimony and work toward a treaty that reflects the needs of victims, rather than that of commercial interests.

This year, FI hosted three high level religious leaders to show faith-based support for the future treaty for more business accountability. Mrg. André de Witte (Brazil), Mgr. Alvaro Ramazzini (Guatemala), and Rev. Ralf Häussler (Germany) met with diplomats and other stakeholders to share testimonies on how their parishioners have been negatively affected by the impact of large-scale industrial projects.

During a side event, the two Bishops and the Reverend elaborated on the challenges of seeking redress through existing non-binding mechanisms, and their inadequacies in preventing human rights abuses. “Experience has shown that guiding principles need to be complimented by strict laws,” said Mgr. Ramazzini, who has been an outspoken defender of indigenous communities in Guatemala and has repeatedly received death threats because of his advocacy.

During the formal deliberations focused on the zero-draft, FI’s International Advocacy Director was among those invited to share their insights on the scope and definitions of the treaty. Ms. Epal Ratjen elaborated on FI’s expectation that the future treaty will address the specific challenges posed by transnational businesses, operating across national borders, without undermining responsibilities that all businesses have to respect human rights.

Despite the urgent need to prevent, and provide redress for, human rights abuses committed by transnational corporations, progress toward adopting a legally binding instrument remains slow with many economically powerful States only nominally engaging in the deliberations or boycotting the process altogether. Nevertheless, FI will continue to engage all stakeholders ahead of the IGWG’s 5th session in October 2019.

“Ultimately, this treaty is not against the economy or against transnational corporations,” said Mgr. de Witte, after highlighting issues of land grabbing by mining companies in his diocese, during the side event. “It is in the service of the lives of victims. It in the service of all of us.”

Franciscans International in the Media

La semana pasada, del 5 al 7 de Noviembre, representantes de la familia franciscana de Brasil, Guatemala, El Salvador, México y Paraguay se reunieron en la Ciudad de México para discutir los retos y las causas de la migración en las Américas, particularmente con la situación de las caravanas, la migración en Sudamérica y la movilidad de los pueblos indígenas. Al finalizar el encuentro, se hizo un reconocimiento al derecho de las personas a no migrar y a que se les garantice los derechos de los migrantes en los países de origen, tránsito y destino. Pueden consultar el llamado y las recomendaciones finales del encuentro en la siguiente declaración

Nosotros, los representantes de las instituciones y organizaciones de diversos países de Latinoamérica que participaron en el taller de migración, organizado por Franciscans International y;

Considerando las causales que dan como efecto la movilidad humana en nuestro continente;

Motivados por la exhortación del papa Francisco a acoger, proteger, promover e integrar a los hermanos y hermanas que migran;

Reconociendo el carácter fundacional de la Familia Franciscana en el cuidado de la creación, desarrollo humano y la promoción de la justicia;

Tomando en cuenta la situación actual de migración, como las caravanas centroamericanas y la migración en Sudamérica, así como la migración de grupos indígenas dentro y fuera de sus territorios, que afectan principalmente a los grupos en situación de vulnerabilidad como: mujeres, niñez, adolescencia, comunidad LGBT, personas con discapacidad, entre otros;

Preocupados por la criminalización y persecución del trabajo de los defensores de los derechos de los migrantes;

Hemos identificado las siguientes causas:

La pobreza y extrema pobreza que viven las poblaciones;
El efecto de políticas de gobierno que limitan el derecho a migrar;
La corrupción como factor que coopta las instituciones públicas y privadas;
La deficiencia de las políticas estatales en atender las necesidades de la población de forma más integral para el pleno goce de los derechos humanos;
El aumento de mega proyectos que derivan en el desplazamiento forzado interno e internacional;
La agudización de la violencia y la inseguridad.

Por ello:

Demandamos a los Estados que generen las medidas necesarias para garantizar el derecho que tienen las personas a no migrar y a quedarse en sus países de origen;

Demandamos, además:

Que los países de transito y destino proporcionen las medidas necesarias para proteger y garantizar los derechos humanos de los migrantes;

Que se garantice la protección de los defensores de derechos humanos;

Que se analice el fenómeno de la migración con una perspectiva de género;

Que se fomente el trabajo en red de la familia franciscana, interreligioso y ecuménico, con la sociedad civil en general, financiadoras y organizaciones internacionales;

Que se desarrollen procesos de sensibilización y formación de la sociedad para erradicar los patrones de xenofobia;

Que se fomenten proyectos que promueven la sociedad civil para la defensoría de los derechos de los migrantes, acogida, acompañamiento, formación y seguimiento, sin olvidar que el Estado debería ser el garante y responsable principal de estas acciones;

Que se utilizen en la medida de lo posible mecanismos internacionales para la promoción, visibilización y protección de derechos humanos.

On Tuesday, 18 September at 14:00 in Room XXV (Palais des Nations), join us for a side-event that will explore the human rights, security and political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The deteriorating conditions have forced 4.5 million Congolese to leave their homes, and more than 100,000 to flee abroad.

Ahead of presidential elections scheduled for later this year, a panel of defenders, experts and victims of human rights violations will meet to make recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council on how to holistically address the protracted crisis in the DRC and ensure free and fair elections.

Panelists:

Abbé Donatien Nshole, National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO)
Epimack Kwokwo, Ligue des droits de la personne dans la région des Grands Lacs
Grace Kabera, Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA)
Moderation by Clementine de Montjoye, CIVICUS

Please note that this event can be seen in livestream on CIVICUS Facebook page.

In parallel, 47 civil society organizations have signed and sent a joint letter requesting the Human Rights Council to set up a dedicated monitoring and reporting mechanism on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the context of the current crisis. Please find below the full text in French and English.

We join the many voices that in the last hours have condemned the decision of the United States to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council.

This decision undermines the protection of human rights worldwide. It sets a dangerous precedent for countries that commit or allow human rights abuses and empowers countries that seek to undermine the UN human rights mechanisms.

It only represents the latest manifestation of the Trump administration’s disregard for human rights and multilateralism based on internationally agreed rules.

The move by the United States happens in a more global context that is increasingly hostile to international rule of law, human rights and to ensuring a safe space for those who defend them.

We are sad to announce that earlier today, Julie Morgan has passed away. She has been the Director for Asia-Pacific in the Bangkok’s office of Franciscans International.

We cherish her memory as a person, a professional, and a friend.

While extending our condolences to her family and friends, we are comforted in knowing that, in her passing away, she was close to her loved ones.

Despite the efforts, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration falls short of its promises.

Since the beginning of 2018, more than 1,422 persons have lost their lives in the Mediterranean attempting to migrate to Europe.
In Central America more than 429,000 people from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras fled their homes since 2015.
In Europe, the total number of entries has been dramatically reduced, from 239,492 individuals in 2016 to 102,308 migrants in 2017 and 48,629 so far in 2018.
On Friday 13, July, the United Nations Member States concluded the six-month process of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration by announcing the final draft.
The GCM falls short of the promises of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted in September 2016.

NEW YORK/GENEVA – Friday, 13 July 2018 marked the end of intergovernmental negotiations on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). United Nations Member States concluded the six-month process by announcing the final draft of the GCM. Franciscans International (FI) was involved all six rounds of negotiations, analyzing various drafts of the text, and advocating for the protection of human rights of all migrants, regardless of status.

The migration crisis: facts and figures

According to the United Nations, there are more migrants and displaced persons now than at any time since the Second World War. Since the beginning of 2018, more than 1,422 persons have lost their lives in the Mediterranean attempting to migrate to Europe. Governments are enacting new restrictions on asylum seekers and other migrants; in Europe, the total number of entries has been dramatically reduced, from 239,492 individuals in 2016 to 102,308 migrants in 2017 and 48,629 so far in 2018. In Central America more than 429,000 people from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras fled their homes since 2015, according to La72, a Franciscan migrant shelter in Tenosique, Mexico. In Malaysia, 62 migrant workers (and victims of human trafficking) coming from one of the poorest Indonesian provinces were killed in 2017.

The GCM: between consensual progress and status quo

The closing session of the GCM process on July 13th provided a good opportunity to reflect on the text’s advances and limitations. A large consensus of Member States presented a forward-looking and positive view of diplomacy and multilateralism. The Permanent Representatives of Mexico and Switzerland, who acted as co-facilitators, were able to navigate a delicate balance in this challenging and charged political moment in which xenophobia and racism are on the rise. FI is grateful for their leadership.

However, the GCM falls short of the promises of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted in September 2016, in which Member States had committed, among other priorities, to protect the human rights of all refugees and migrants, regardless of their status. The “achievements” of the GCM mentioned by some are merely repetitions of already-existing international human rights obligations. The GCM was unable to bring forward the groundbreaking framework the world needs to live up to the expectations of millions of migrants. In some respects, the GCM even regresses in terms of human rights protection by adopting lower standards than those already existing in some countries.

“The final text of the Compact is far from what we fought to achieve. We have ended up with a text that practically reinforces a differentiation between regular and irregular migrants, limiting the access of the latter to public services. The failure to address and prohibit the criminalization of migrants will continue to cause the harm we are all witnessing now around the world. We also lost several essential human rights protections throughout the rounds of negotiation; the call to end the practice of exploitative employer-tied visas disappeared; and the realization of the right to nationality was considerably undermined,” said Marina El Khoury, UN Representative for Franciscans International in New York.

Implementation and next steps

FI will continue advocating for the respect, protection, and fulfillment of the universal human rights of all migrants and refugees, no matter their status and situation. We will strive to ensure that migration policies remain rooted in core human rights principles. In the next few months, we will continue to follow the process and monitor the implementation phase of the GCM, working to ensure that the abovementioned gaps are addressed through existing international mechanisms.

—

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Franciscans International is a human-rights organization based in Geneva and New York. For more information about FI: www.franciscansinternational.org

The Global Compact for migration is the first, intergovernmentally negotiated agreement, prepared under the auspices of the United Nations, to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. For more info: https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/migration-compact

For media inquiries, please contact:

In New York, Ms. Marina El Khoury, at m.el.khoury@fiop.orgor +1-929-990-7873

In Geneva, Ms. Sandra Epal Ratjen, at s.ratjen@fiop.orgor +41 (0)22 779 40 10

After dedicating nine years to bringing Franciscan values and voices to the United Nations, Sister Odile Coirier, FMM, will leave the organization on July 16. We’ll never thank her enough for bringing her passion, knowledge and experience to the office every day.

Sr. Odile arrived at FI in 2009, after 15 years serving as a social worker in France and three years working as a missionary in the Philippines. She contributed to our common Franciscan vision and mission first in the Geneva office and then in New York. Her presence and work—focusing from sustainable development to climate change to trafficking and animation—in both of FI’s offices sent an important message of unity, strengthening the understanding of Franciscans International as one organization with two offices.

Sr Odile says of this experience in Geneva and New York, “Nine years ago I arrived to Franciscans International; here I learned how to engage with the United Nations, connecting Catholic Social Teaching and Franciscan values to the UN Human Rights Framework.”

“Contributing to Franciscans International, and bringing my experience working on social issues—such as poverty, discriminations, Indigenous People rights, violence against women—at the international level was a truly enriching mission.”

“Nevertheless, being part of the Institute of Franciscan Missionary of Mary, I am called to serve elsewhere. I am leaving FI grateful for what I received and joyous for what lies ahead. This mission will always be deeply imprinted in my being and will bear fruit in many different ways.”
We are most thankful to Sr Odile for her indefatigable effort in bringing Francis and Clare’s values, our values as Franciscans, in front of the decisionmakers, at the United Nations, with our partners, colleagues, and other civil society groups.”

I wish to also use this occasion to thank Br Christian Leo Seno, OFM for his work as an intern in the past year. His professionalism and dedication in contributing to the outreach towards the Franciscan Family have been outstanding. We can only hope that other young Franciscan brothers and sisters will decide to contribute with their time to this Franciscan mission through this internship scheme.

Finally, I wish to warmly welcome Br Paolo Nicosia TOR to our New York team. Br Paolo is a Franciscan of the Atonement based in New York who will volunteer with FI in the next year.

Franciscans International is launching at a side-event to the HRC38 (in room V at the Palais des Nations, Geneva) the new toolbox for human rights advocates and activists. The focus is on connecting the dots between human rights and sustainable development.

Speakers include:

Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, UN Special Rapporteur
on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Christophe Golay, Senior Fellow Researcher and Strategic Adviser on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

The event will be moderated by: Sandra Epal Ratjen, International Advocacy Director, Franciscans International.

Don’t miss it!

How does Franciscans International address peace and the fight against human rights violations to break the vicious circle of violence? Executive Director Markus Heinze OFM gives us some examples from the field. Read the full article in German here

Franciscans International (FI), bemüht sich den Teufelskreis der Gewalt durch die Verteidigung der Menschrechte zu durchbrechen. Wie dies geschehen kann zeigt Markus Heinze OFM, Geschäftsführer von FI, an drei konkreten Beispielen auf. Lesen Sie hierzu den Artikel.