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INFO Newsletter : Infolettre : Boletim informativo

Number : Numéro : Número 5 - November : Novembre : Novembro 2010

Editorial

Plus de visibilité pour Caritas

Le réseau Caritas en Afrique est certes im-pressionnant. En effet, partout, Caritas est active non seulement au niveau national, mais aussi au niveau des diocèses et des pa-roisses. Ainsi, il est souvent fait référence à la capillarité très étendue de Caritas.

Le travail qu’effectue Caritas est considérable dans de nombreux domaines: urgence, édu-cation, santé, approvisionnement en eau potable, sécurité alimentaire, agriculture, micro finance, autonomisation, migration, alphabé-tisation, entre autres.

Très souvent, et cela est tout-à-fait normal, Caritas travaille en étroite collaboration avec d’autres organisations non-gouvernementales ou avec des institutions nationales et inter-nationales. Le partenariat est essentiel et la synergie entre partenaires permet d’obtenir des résultats très probants.

Il n’est pas rare de constater, lors de visites de projets menés par Caritas, avec le soutien de ses partenaires, que les noms des partenaires sont bien en vue sur des bâtiments ou sur des pancartes alors que celui de Caritas n’y figure nullement!

Par conséquent, les actions de Caritas sont dans ces cas ignorées alors qu’elle agit, jour après jour, au sein des communautés et contribue efficacement au mieux-être de nombreux bénéficiaires.

Pour que Caritas soit mieux connue et reconnue, tous les responsables Caritas, tant au niveau national qu’aux niveaux diocésain et paroissial, sont invités à veiller à ce que Caritas soit visible. Il suffit pour cela d’afficher, bien en vue, le nom « Caritas » et d’y adjoindre le logo Caritas.

Afin que chaque membre du personnel et chaque volontaire de Caritas puisse vraiment s’approprier l’esprit Caritas, il est utile de leur parler de l’action de Caritas à travers le monde. Tous doivent être imprégnés de la philosophie de Caritas, de ses principes, de ses valeurs, afin qu’ils soient bien conscients de leur contribution au sein de la grande famille à Caritas, responsable de la pastorale sociale de l’Eglise.

Jacques Dinan

(Versão em Português na página 4.) (English version on page 9.)

Caritas Rwanda

Celebrating 50 years of commitment and dedication to overcome poverty On Sunday 31 October 2010, an impor-tant celebration held in a stadium in Kigali marked the 50th anniversary of Caritas Rwanda. Thousands of local Caritas staff, representatives from Caritas members from Africa and other parts of the world, as well as Lesley-Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, attended the mass presided by Arch-bishop Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, Archbishop of Kigali and President of Caritas Rwanda. At the end of the celebration, Lesley-Anne Knight delivered a short speech on behalf of the 165 members of Caritas Internationalis. She paid tribute to “the tireless and courageous efforts of the staff of Caritas Rwanda and its 60 000

volunteers”. “You are an important part of the Caritas Internationalis community, part of and at the heart of the mission of the Church, a sign and sacrament of God's love for all humanity,” she said.

CI Secretary General, Ms Lesley-Anne Knight.

Caritas Africa Vice-President, Dr Bruno Miteyo, presents Caritas Rwanda President, Archbishop Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, with the greetings and blessings from the Pope.

(Continued on page 11)

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« On t’a fait savoir, homme, ce qu’il faut faire : rien d’autre que d’aimer avec tendresse,

d’accomplir la justice et de marcher humblement avec ton Dieu »

(Mi 6,8)

Au regard de la physionomie sociale du monde et particulièrement de celle de l‟Amérique du Sud et de l‟Afrique, il y aurait certainement lieu, aujourd‟hui, de poser deux questions à tous les Chefs d‟Etat qui président à la destinée des peuples qui leur ont fait confiance en les élisant : « Où en êtes-vous avec la lutte pour l‟épanouissement des enfants, des femmes, des hommes, des malades et des handicapés dans vos pays ? Avez-vous déjà jeté un coup d‟œil sur les indicateurs de satisfaction de la demande sociale dans vos pays respectifs ? » Les Chefs d‟Etat qui ont manipulé les urnes et se sont imposés à la volonté populaire ont déjà un carton rouge, parce que d‟office, ils ne peuvent pas respecter la liberté de leur peuple et leur droit à l‟accès à de meilleures conditions d‟exis-tence humaine d‟ici 2015. Leurs indica-teurs sont aussi d‟office et dramatique-ment au rouge. Quant aux autres Chefs d‟Etat et respon-sables des Institutions Financières mon-diales, veuillez m‟autoriser à faire un rappel. Et ce rappel me semble, sur le plan éthique et politique, important et déter-minant pour notre marche commune ou globale et responsable vers une victoire sur les obstacles qui empêchent l‟épa-nouissement des personnes et des peuples les plus pauvres sur cette terre et qu‟il ne faut pas taire. Pour Caritas Internationalis qui est toujours présente et active au milieu des pauvres qui sont ciblés par ceux-là qui ont pris l‟initiative des OMD, les pauvres ne sont pas des êtres abstraits. Les pauvres ont un visage du Nord au Sud et de l‟Ouest à l‟Est de notre planète, Terre. Les

pauvres, ce sont des millions d‟enfants qui sont privés d‟affection et de croissance normale par le VIH/SIDA, le paludisme l‟exploitation des richesses de leur sous sol par des groupes financiers, dépourvus de l‟intelligence du cœur et par des guerres de toutes sortes.

Les pauvres, ce sont des millions d‟en-fants qui ne peuvent à aller l‟Ecole et avoir accès au savoir et au savoir faire, les plus grands outils dont il faut disposer pour aspirer au développement humain. Les pauvres, ce sont des millions d‟en-fants, de jeunes et d‟adultes, femmes et hommes qui ont faim ou meurent de faim tous les jours, alors que d‟autres sont dans l‟opulence et indifférents à leur sort, ou-bliant que leur bonheur se construit sur l‟exploitation des richesses des terres habitées par des populations démunies et sur la dégradation de leur environnement. Les pauvres ce sont des millions de pay-sans qui sont privés de terre ou de semen-ces de qualité, et qui ne peuvent pas se nourrir dignement, à la sueur de leur front, et qui se sentent humiliés de devoir dépendre constamment d‟une certaine aide au développement, humiliante, et qui n‟arrive pas souvent aux vrais desti-nataires. Les pauvres ce sont des millions d‟en-fants, de femmes et d‟hommes qui

meurent tous les jours de la malaria ou de la faim alors que les chefs d‟Etat investis-sent l‟argent du contribuable pour leur sécurité propre et leur volonté hégé-moniste, en finançant des guerres inutiles et des forces policières et militaires budgé-tivores au lieu de financer la santé et la sécurité alimentaire. Les clignotants d‟indicateurs de victoires dans la lutte pour réduire la pauvreté sont, sur le terrain que fréquente Caritas, encore au rouge, et il faut en déduire, que des millions de personnes sur tous les continents vivent encore dans des con-

ditions infra humaines et qu‟il est urgent de corriger le comportement des Politi-ques et des détenteurs de la puissance financière mondiale. Ban Ki-moon a tout récemment dit, le 3 septembre 2010, en Australie, lors de la 63e Conférence annuelle DPI/ONG qu’il y a des avancées, enregistrées dans la poursuite des OMD mais qu‟il y avait aussi un grand retard dans leur atteinte quant au délai 2015. Alors, dans le cadre d‟un partenariat Public/Privé/ONG en vue d‟accélérer l‟atteinte des OMD, à l‟horizon 2015, il me semble important et prioritaire de regarder cette triste et dramatique réalité en face et prendre en charge, et d‟urgence, la composante : « gouvernants » et dès maintenant. Les OMD, soutenus politiquement par les déclarations de Paris et d‟Accra, ne seront pas atteints en 2015, parce que la volonté politique est absente sous tous les cieux,

Abbé Ambroise Tine (Caritas Sénégal) aux Nations Unies

Appel aux gouvernements : priorité au développement Le secrétaire général de Caritas Sénégal, l’Abbé Ambroise Tine, a représenté Caritas Internationalis au sommet des Nations Unies qui s’est tenu à New York du 20 au 22 septembre dernier. Ce sommet, auquel participaient de nombreux leaders mondiaux, avait pour objectif d’accélérer le progrès en vue d’atteindre les Objectifs de Développement du Millénaire (ODM).

Ci-après le texte complet de la présentation faite par l’Abbé Ambroise tine lors d’une Table ronde organisée à New York.

(Suite en page 3)

L’Abbé Ambroise Tine lors de son intervention à New York.

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couverts par le nuage de la globalisation politique et économique, mu surtout par les fameux G8, G15 et par des puissances financières, poussées par leurs lobbyistes, tapis dans l‟ombre, et dont le dévelop-pement colossal échappe même au con-trôle des Politiques, dits, géants de ce monde. Consciente de ce phénomène, et pour manifester la volonté de tous de vivre un partenariat Public/privé/ONG, efficace pour le développement des peuples sur tous les continents, Caritas fait donc et courageusement appel à un nouveau MDGs : Millenium Development Governments autrement dit : des gouvernements du millennium pour le développement. Car, les Politiques, premiers partenaires stratégiques pour le développement, ceux qui nous gouvernent et génèrent par leurs mauvaises politiques les pauvres dans l‟espace global mondial, doivent suivre un programme de conversion vers le développement avec comme objectifs à atteindre dans les cinq ans à venir:

Changer leur vision de l‟homme qui ne sera plus conçu, comme un objet ou un

tremplin pour l‟accès au pouvoir et à la jouissance, mais comme un être humain dont la dignité, la liberté et le droits à de meilleures conditions d‟existence sont considérés comme sacrés et inviolable ;

Changer leur vision du pouvoir et le convertir en service du bien-être des populations pour éviter que l‟érosion politique actuelle continue de raviner les conditions d‟existence déjà précaires des pauvres et leurs aspirations à recevoir des réponses concrètes et robustes à leurs demandes sociales ;

Installer dans la conscience des gouvernants la culture de l‟amour de l‟homme et de son progrès à acquérir par la qualité de l‟éducation, de la formation et la culture du travail et non par la corruption, le laxisme et l‟irres-ponsabilité ;

Installer chez les gouvernants, la culture de l‟administration, du respect des contrats et conventions, et de la séparation des pouvoirs pour une gouvernance concertée et vraiment participative avec un respect scrupuleux du principe de la subsidiarité ;

Promouvoir l‟Intervision gouvernemen-tale à partir d‟instances politiques régio-nales et internationales qui bénéficient d‟un réel pouvoir contraignant pour le

(Suite de la page 2)

Abbé Ambroise Tine aux Nations Unies

Que les Politiques se convertissent au Développement

suivi du financement des politiques sectorielles de développement et l‟accès de tous aux biens du développement ;

Promouvoir l‟acceptation d‟un moni-toring participatif des budgets sectoriels des états au nord comme au sud par des organisations de la société civile, com-pétentes et indépendantes pour accroî-tre la transparence, la reddition des comptes, et l‟efficacité de l‟aide au développement ;

Promouvoir des partenariats, basés sur la reconnaissance et l‟acceptation des stratégies de développement et des priorités des pays en développement ;

Promouvoir chez les gouvernants de ce monde, l‟acceptation de la différence comme richesse pour le développement humain et par voie de conséquence, la reconnaissance de la mobilité humaine, virtuelle ou effective, comme facteur de développement, favorisant l‟émergence d‟un monde plus juste et où il fait bon vivre pour tous et non pour quelques uns seulement ;

Réduire de 90% les Politiques (Gouver-nants ou Stratégies) générateurs d‟injus-tices et d‟inégalités sociales, qui plon-gent le monde dans le désastre de la mauvaise répartition des biens de la terre, destinés à tous.

Fr Ambroise Tine (Caritas Senegal) at the United Nations

Appeal to Governments: priority to development The Secretary General of Caritas Senegal, Fr Ambroise Tine, represented Caritas Internationalis at the United Nations Summit in New York from 20 to 22 September. This Summit, attended by many world leaders, was designed to accelerate progress with regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He stated forcefully that the MDGs, although politically supported by the statements of Paris and Accra, will not be achieved by 2015, because the political will is absent. Aware of this phenomenon and to demonstrate the willingness of all to live an effective public/private/NGO partnership for the development of the people on all continents, Caritas, he said, courageously calls for new MDGs: « Millennium Development Governments » in other words: the Governments of the Millennium for Development. Hence Governments must undergo a conversion programme towards development in order to achieve within five years a series of objectives concerning human dignity, population livelihoods, education, honesty, responsibility, governance, common good, financial accountability, transparency and human mobility. He ended his address by stating that there should be a 90% reduction of policies (Governments or strategies) that generate situations of injustice and inequality. These, he explained, have terrible consequences since they result into the disaster of having a poor distribution of land assets, that are intended for all.

Padre Ambroise Tine (Caritas Senegal) nas Nações Unidas

Um apelo aos governos: prioridade ao desenvolvimento O secretário-geral da Caritas Senegal, Padre Ambroise Tine, representada Caritas Internationalis na Cimeira das Nações Unidas em Nova Iorque de 20 a 22 de setembro. Nesta cimeira, com a presença de muitos líderes mundiais, foi projetada para acelerar o progresso alcançado com os objectivos de desenvolvimento do Milénio (ODM). Ele afirmou com veemência que os ODM, embora politicamente suportadas pelas demonstrações de Paris e Accra, não serão atingidos até 2015, porque a vontade política está ausente. Ciente deste fenómeno e para demonstrar a vontade de todos a viver uma parceria público/privado/ONG eficaz para o desenvolvimento das pessoas em todos os continentes, Caritas, disse ele, corajosamente chama para novos ODM: «Millennium Development governos» em outras palavras: os governos do Milénio para o desenvolvimento. Daí os governos devem ser submetidos a um programa de reconversão para desenvolvimento para atingir, no prazo de cinco anos, uma série de objetivos relativa à dignidade humana, meios de subsistência de população, educação, honestidade, responsabilidade, governança, responsabilidade comum de bom, financeira, transparência e mobilidade humana. Ele terminou seu discurso, afirmando que deve haver uma redução de 90% das políticas (governos ou estratégias) que geram situações de injustiça e desigualdade. Estes, ele explicou, têm consequências terríveis desde que resultam em desastre de ter uma distribuição deficiente da terra ativos, que são destinados a todos.

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Caritas Liberia

CHS makes headway in HIV stigma reduction

October 6, 2010 - Monrovia. The health arm of Caritas Liberia, the Catholic Health Secretariat (CHS) has made a significant strive in minimizing stigma among people living with HIV/ AIDS in Liberia. The CHS, through a UNICEF Liberia funded PMTCT (prevention mother-to-child transmission) project instituted three years ago, has organized the HIV positive women at three ante-natal clinics into HIV PLWA (people living with AIDS) support groups with each member actively participating in its activities. According to the health coordinator Mrs. Yah W. Gausi, the formation of the support groups has broken the barrier in the fight against the disease and marks an

important milestone in the way forward to combat the disease. She added that the groups have enlightened the women to realize that indeed they are not alone and that HIV /AIDS is not a curse but an ordinary illness that can attack anyone. Mrs. Gausi expressed delight at the willingness of the women to report to schedule meetings at the various health facilities and their resolve to openly discuss their personal problems encounter as a result of their positive HIV statuses. She also indicated that the group is vigorously engage in sensitization activi-ties in their various communities that has resulted into massive turnout at the health facilities for HIV voluntary counseling and testing.

In an interview with one of the women, she openly declared her positive status and vowed to live positively and regularly report to available treatment centers for care and treatment. Moses D. Mendin Administrative Assistant

Caritas Liberia

Progrès du SCS visant à réduire les stigmas associés au VIH

Le service santé de Caritas Libéria, le Secrétariat Catholique de la Santé (SCS) a réalisé d’importants progrès en s'efforçant à minimiser la stigmatisation des personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida au Libéria. A travers un projet lancé il y a trois ans et financé par l’UNICEF Libéria en vue d’empêcher la transmission mère-enfant, la SCS a regroupé les femmes séropositives au niveau de trois cliniques ante-natales. Ces groupes de personnes vivant avec le sida sont des groupes de soutien et chacun des membre participe activement aux activités et réussissent à enlever les barrières qui rendent difficile la lutte contre la maladie.

Caritas Liberia

SCS faz progressos na redução do estigma de HIV

O serviço saúde de Caritas Libéria, o Secretariado Católico da Saúde (SCS) realizou importantes uns progressos em s' esforçando-se a minimizar a estigmatização das pessoas que vivem com o VIH/sida no Libéria. Através de um projecto lançado há três anos e financiado pela UNICEF a Libéria para impedir a transmissão mãe-criança, o SCS agrupou as mulheres seropositivas a nível de três clínicas anta-natal. Estes grupos de pessoas que vivem com a SIDA são grupos de apoio e cada um do membro participa activamente nas actividades e têm êxito a retirar as barreiras que tornam a difícil luta contra a doença.

Pregnant women awaiting their turn to be tested at one of CHS antenatal clinics.

Editorial

Mais visibilidade para Caritas

A rede da Caritas em África é certamente impressionante. Na verdade, em toda parte, Caritas ativa não é apenas a nível nacional mas também a nível das dioceses e paróquias. Assim, é frequentemente refe-rência a capilaridade generalizada da Caritas. Trabalho da Caritas é considerável em várias áreas: emergência, educação, saúde, água potável, segurança alimentar, agricultura, micro finanças, capacitação, migração, alfabetização, entre outros. Com muita freqüência e isso é perfeitamente normal, Caritas trabalha estreitamente com organizações non-governmental ou outras instituições nacionais e international. Esta parceria é essencial e a sinergia entre os parceiros torna possível obter resultados muito positivos. Não é incomum observar, enquanto visitar projetos realizados pela Caritas, com o apoio dos seus parceiros, que os nomes dos parceiros são afixados na edifícios ou sinalização Considerando que da Caritas é totalmente ausente! Assim, as actividades da Caritas em tais casos são ignoradas, mesmo que seja, dia após dia, ativamente engajados no seio das Comunidades e efetivamente contribuindo para o bem-estar de muitos beneficiários. Caritas para ser melhor conhecido e reco-gnized, todos aqueles em posição de responsabilidade, a nível nacional, diocesano e paroquial, são convidados a garantir que a Caritas está visível, exibindo um lugar de destaque o nome "Caritas" e incluem o logotipo da Caritas. A fim de assegurar que cada membro da equipe da Caritas e voluntariado efetivamente possui a mentalidade da Caritas, é útil compartilhar com eles informações sobre a ação da Caritas em todo o mundo. Eles devem tudo compreender totalmente a filosofia da Caritas, seus princípios e seus valores, para que eles ser consciente da sua própria contribuição para a grande família da Caritas, o braço de pastoral social da Igreja.

Jacques Dinan

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OCDI Caritas Togo

Journée Mondiale de la Femme Rurale

L'OCDI Caritas Togo, dans le cadre de son programme d'accompagnement des femmes pour leur autopromotion, a une fois encore apporté son appui dans l'organisation des festivités de la Journée Mondiale de la Femme Rurale (JMFR) les 15 et 16 octobre 2010.

Les manifestations au niveau du Diocèse de Sokodé, à Kaboli, ont réuni plus de 400 femmes provenant des groupements et associations de femmes qui collaborent avec l‟OCDI. Trois objectifs ont été assignés à cette célébration, à savoir : se rencontrer avec la possibilité d'échanger, se former et fêter.

Deux temps forts ont marqué cette célébration : les différentes communica-tions et l'important défilé du samedi 16 octobre pendant lequel les femmes ont marché à travers les artères de Kaboli. Parmi les différentes communications faites, il y a eu l'historique de la JMFR, de 1995 à nos jours, l’importance de l’éduca-tion de la gente féminine, et la situation de son droit à l‟éducation au Togo. Les deux communications sur l‟éducation ont été les plus importantes car fondées sur le thème de la JMFR 2010. Le droit à l‟éducation est un droit de l‟homme, internationalement reconnu. L‟alphabétisation est une clé pour amélio-

rer la santé, la nutrition et l‟éducation des familles. L‟éducation permet aux femmes de prendre des décisions au sein de la société et constitue le chemin du succès vers un développement économique dura-ble. Elle est la manière la plus efficace d‟améliorer le statut social, économique et

politique de la femme. Tout le monde a le droit égal à l‟éduca-tion. Ce droit est inscrit dans de nombreux traités internationaux et con-ventions. Le Togo a signé plusieurs traités qui l‟engagent à assurer le droit à l‟éducation pour tous. La constitution

togolaise dans son article 35 reconnaît aux enfants des deux sexes le droit à l‟éducation. Ce texte énonce que l‟école est obligatoire pour tous les enfants des deux sexes jusqu‟à l‟âge de 15 ans et que l‟Etat togolais crée les conditions favorables à cette fin. Aussi, est-il dit que l‟Etat assure progressivement la gratuité de l‟enseignement public. Le Togo a fait beaucoup d‟efforts pour promouvoir le droit à l‟éducation pour tous, cependant la situation reste encore plus que préoccupante aussi bien au niveau des femmes que des filles surtout en milieu rural. Le défilé des femmes, qui était le deux-ième temps fort, s'est fait sur la voie

principale de Kaboli. Les femmes, en uniformes, au rythme des chants et dan-ses scandaient des slogans en l'honneur de la femme rurale. Pendant la sé-ance de clôtu-re, les femmes ont lu, à l'en-droit des autorités, une importante décla-ration où elles ont demandé de créer davantage de centres d‟alphabétisation et de formation dans les milieux ruraux. Elles se sont engagées à mettre à profit les facilités qui leur sont offertes en parti-cipant massivement et régulièrement aux séances de formation et d‟éducation qu‟organisent l‟Etat et les multiples struc-tures de développement et à envoyer toutes leurs filles à l‟école. Jean Piontek

Thème de l’édition 2010: « Femmes rurales, mettez à profit votre droit à l’éducation et celui de vos filles. »

L’Abbé Jean Piontek, secrétaire général de l’OCDI Sokodé Caritas Togo, s’adressant aux femmes rurales réunies à cette occasion.

Déclaration des femmes.

OCDI Caritas Togo

World Rural Women’s Day

OCDI Caritas Togo, in its programme accompanying women undergoing self-empowerment training, has once again supported the organization of the World Rural Women's Day celebrations on 15 and 16 October 2010. The theme of the 2010 edition was: "Rural women, take advantage of your right and that of your daughters to education." The women have asked for more literacy and training centres in rural areas.

OCDI Caritas Togo

Dia da mulher do mundo rural

OCDI Caritas Togo, no seu programa que acompanham as mulheres em formação de capacitação, mais uma vez apoiou a organização da comemoração do dia da mulher rural mundial em 15 e 16 de outubro de 2010. O tema da edição 2010 foi: "mulher rural, tirar vantagem da sua direita e que suas filhas ao ensino." The women have asked for more literacy and training centres in rural areas.

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Great Lakes Region

Promoting a culture of Peace and Reconciliation During the past two decades several countries in the Great Lakes Region (GLR) have gone through a series of protracted civil wars and hostilities whose effects have spilled over their borders into neighbouring countries. The result has been untold suffering for countless people, including the flight of hundreds of thousands of refugees. These violent conflicts have been accompa-nied by the pil-lage of countries' natural wealth, the destruction of infra-structure, and above all, the loss of millions of lives and the long term disrup-tion of local and regional relation-ships. Where ge-nocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes have occurred, the impact on the survivors has been extremely severe and pain-ful. Many have lost their homes and family mem-bers, and many continue to suf-fer from war-induced psychological trauma. People live in a debilitating state of fear: fear of the military, of the rebels and of common criminals who profit from the instability. As a result, peace in the region remains fragile. Some common elements contributing to conflicts and civil unrest in the region include the following: Political exclusion where countries have failed to establish inclusive political sys-tems guaranteeing equal participation in decision-making and fair access to resources for all groups that has resulted in the systematic exclusion of particular groups of people Political violence based on ethnicity that has stimulated civil violence in the DRC, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Flows of refugees, military interventions by neighbouring countries, and cross-bor-

der war economies have also contributed to the regional character of the conflicts The regional dimension of the conflicts is also a result of the abundance of mineral resources in certain countries. While conflict inflicts suffering on everyone, women are particularly affected

by its short and long-term effects. Violence committed against women, in particular rape, has reached unprece-dented levels over the course of the armed conflicts in the region. The long term exposure of civilians to violence and trauma in some countries has resulted in increased unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, homelessness and epidemics, including HIV/AIDS. It is against this background that the Conference was organised from 19 to 21 October by Catholic Bishops of Burundi on behalf of the National Episcopal Conferences of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda and the Regional Episcopal Conferences of ACEAC and AMECEA. The theme was “A culture of peace and reconciliation for promoting stability and sustainable development in the Great Lakes Region is achieved”.

The participants included the Arch-bishops and Bishops, The Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi, Consecrated Religious and the Laity, representatives of Associa-tions of Catholic Bishops' Conferences and Catholic Universities from the Region of Great Lakes of Africa, representatives of the worldwide Catholic Peace building Network, Pontifical Commission of Jus-

tice and Peace and the Congre-gation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Bi-shops from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and from South Africa, and the delegates from Caritas Interna-tionalis and the Catholic aid agencies from Germany, the Netherlands and the United States. The conference was animated by a group of mode-rators and a stee-ring committee under the leader-ship of HE Joa-

chim Ntahondereye, Bishop of Muyinga, President of the Conference Steering Committee and President of Caritas Burundi who kicked off the conference by giving an overview of the main points in the conference working document as an introduction to the conference delibera-tions. The conference was officially opened by the President, His Excellency, Pierre Nkurunziza, President of Burundi, who thanked the Catholic Church for its commitment for Peace and reconciliation in the Region. During the conference, the participants deliberated on the need for a common vision for the Church‟s Peace and Recon-ciliation initiatives and a coordinated pro-gram in the GLR. The plenary delibe-rations and group works were preceded by relevant interventions by keynote speakers and panels of experts from a broad spectrum of socio-political and economic as well as spiritual perspectives.

Group photo with HE Pierre Nkurunziza (President of Burundi) who officially opened the Conference. On his left: HE Evariste Ngoyagoye (Archbishop of Bujumbura) and

HE Archbishop Franco Coppola (Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi). On his right: HE Ambassador Ms Liberata Mulamula (Executive Secretary of the Conference),

HE Joachim Ntahodereye (President of the Steering Committee), and the Moderators of the Conference, Jean Baptiste Talla and Margaret Mwaniki (Caritas Africa).

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The conference explored and discussed ways and means for working collaboratively in order to effectively contribute to the Building of Peace and the promotion of Reconciliation in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, noting the need to respond to the cross-border character of „causes and effects‟ of conflicts, and also responding to the recommendation of the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa that called for an “effective and affective collegiality” at all levels. The conference was inspired by the spiritual and theological foundations of Reconciliation, and Catholic Social Teaching. The conference noted the various per-sistent pastoral challenges in the region that undermine lasting peace efforts. These include poor governance, ethnic and tribal conflicts, insecurity, predatory exploitation and poor management of natural resources, threats to the dignity of women, wounded memories, problems of environmental and climate changes and their effects on the poor, cross-border conflicts and, in a more general manner the international geopolitical dynamics, representing the major challenges to which the Church and Society continue to face. The conference expressed a need to extend ecclesial solidarity to the neigh-bouring countries of Sudan, the Central African Republic and Somalia in a bid to seek for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation. In order to promote a culture of Peace and Reconciliation, the conference made the following recommendations: Develop a strategic plan inspired by the outcome of the conference working docu-ment and the deliberations. Create a Regional Coordinating Commit-tee or a Secretariat for Peace and Recon-ciliation for which its working modalities shall be established by the Bishops Conferences of the Great Lakes Region. Ensure that resources (both material and financial) are mobilised for the func-tioning of the proposed Coordinating Committee or the Secretariat. Promote synergy between the institutions of the Catholic Church within the region through close collaboration between

universities, research centres, Commis-sions of Justice and Peace, the Caritas offices at all levels as well as engaging the services for Social Communication offices within the Church. Engage in a constructive Ecumenical and Inter-religious collaboration, and also with

(Continued from page 6)

Great Lakes Region

Promoting a culture of Peace and

Région des Grands Lacs

Promouvoir une culture de paix et de réconciliation

Les évêques des pays des Grands Lacs se sont réunis à Bujumbura du 19 au 21 octobre dernier. L’objet de la conférence consistait à rechercher les voies et moyens de travailler ensemble pour mieux contribuer comme Eglise à l’édification de la paix et à la promotion de la réconciliation dans la région des Grands Lacs. A l’issue de ces travaux, les participants ont proposé aux Conférences Episcopales de se doter d’un plan stratégique commun endéans six mois après que le Comité de pilotage élargi aura soumis le projet ; de créer un mécanisme régional de coordination pour la paix et la réconciliation ; de prendre à cœur la mobilisation des ressources nécessaires au fonctionnement de ce mécanisme ; de promouvoir une synergie entre les institutions de l’Eglise Catholique de la région, à travers une collaboration étroite entre les universités, les centres de recherché, les Commissions Justice & Paix, les différent niveaux d’organisation de Caritas, les services de communication sociale, etc. ; de s’engager à une collaboration constructive sur les plans œcuménique et interreligieux ; et de s’assurer de la mise en œuvre du plan de suivi de cette conférence par le Comité de pilotage, jusqu’à l’instauration du mécanisme de coordination proposé.

A região dos grandes lagos

Promover uma cultura de paz e reconciliação

Os Bispos dos países dos grandes lagos reuniram em Bujumbura, de 19 a 21 de outubro. O objetivo da conferência foi a encontrar formas de trabalhar juntos para ajudar melhor como Igreja na construção da paz e a promoção da reconciliação na região dos grandes lagos. No final deste trabalho, os participantes sugeriram às Conferências Episcopais estabelecer um plano estratégico comum dentro de seis meses após o Conselho de coordenação expandido apresentou o projeto; para criar um mecanismo de coordenação regional para a paz e a reconciliação. levar a sério a mobilização de recursos necessários para o funcionamento desse mecanismo. promover sinergias entre as instituições da Igreja Católica na região, através de uma colaboração estreita entre universidades, centros de procurado, Comissão Justiça e paz, diferentes níveis de organização Caritas, comunicação social, serviços, etc.; para participar de uma colaboração construtiva sobre o diálogo ecumênico e inter-religioso; planos e para garantir a execução do seguimento desta conferência pelo Comité de direcção, até ao estabelecimento de coordenar o mecanismo proposto.

traditional leaders and institutions for the purposes of Peace and Reconciliation. Guarantee that a follow-up plan of action that takes account of the deliberations of this conference shall be carried forward by the Conference Steering Committee until approval is given for the creation of the proposed Coordinating Committee.

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A Caritas Moçambicana vem trabalhando desde há anos na senda dos Objectivos do Milênio, procurando, na medidas das suas possibilidades, dar a sua pequena contri-buição para ajudar a libertar as comu-nidades, onde ela trabalha, das condições indignas e desumanas impostas pela extrema pobreza em que vivem, empen-hando-se na “construção dum mundo sem pobreza, sem fome e sem sede e de um meio ambiente recuperado e livre de poluição”. Nem sempre este esforço todo, é fácil do escrever e pôr numas poucas folhas de papel, porém estamos cons-cientes de que partilhar nossas experiên-cias e fracassos, pode ser importante para outros, que como nós, se empenham em fazer do direito ao desenvolvimento das comunidades uma realidade. Moçambique, como tantos outros países da África subsariana, possui numerosas pessoas e comunidades em situação de pobreza absoluta. As mudanças climáticas

incrementam e aprofundam esta pobreza, pois as cheias provocadas pelas fortes chuvas (ou pela nem sempre boa gestão dos rios) e os prolongados períodos de estiagem impedem a melhoria significativa da situação. Entre os diferentes programas desenvol-vidos nos últimos anos, queremos, hoje, destacar o “Programa de segurança alimentar” implementado pela Caritas Moçambicana, nas províncias centrais de Manica e Sofala e co-financiado pela Caritas e Governo de Alemanha.

O Governo de Moçambique cataloga 33 Distritos (aproximadamente 30% dos Distritos do País) como “Distritos semi-áridos”, Distritos estes que se caracte-

rizam por uma falta geral de água, devido aos prolongados períodos de estiagem. Esta falta de água gera uma subnutrição no seio das comunidades, principalmente,

entre as crianças, idosos e mulheres grávidas. Foram seleccionadas para este programa “piloto” de Segurança Alimentar, duas Províncias (Manica e Sofala) e dentro de cada uma destas Províncias foram indi-cados 3 Distritos (todos eles catalogados como “Distritos semi-áridos”). Dentro de cada um destes Distritos foram identi-ficadas, com ajuda das comunidades, dos líderes locais e as autoridades, famílias com carências alimentares. Estas famílias foram agrupadas em 2 categorias: famílias

com carências alimentares que poderiam ser incorporadas num programa de “alimento por trabalho” e, famílias que deveriam, por situações diversas, receber um apoio alimentar directo. Cada uma das famílias agrupadas como formando parte do grupo que receberia “alimento por trabalho”, iria destacar um dos seus membros para realização dos trabalhos projectados, no fim do mês, este membro receberia alimentos (arroz ou farinha de

milho, feijão, óleo, açúcar, sabão e sal) para um agregado familiar, médio, de 5 pessoas. A finalidade principal foi a de ajudar a superar as carências alimentares das famílias, evitando, sempre que possível, o assistencialismo. As famílias agrupadas como alvo dum “apoio alimen-tar directo” iriam a receber alimentos sem necessidade de destacarem um membro para a realização dos trabalhos comuni-tários. No total foram indicadas uma média de 1 000 famílias em cada um dos três anos de vida do programa, sendo que as pessoas agrupadas no “apoio alimentar directo” representavam menos do 10% do total dos beneficiários. È de salientar que todos os beneficiários do grupo “comida pelo trabalho” participaram nos trabalhos com grande dedicação. A maior parte dos trabalhos comunitários seleccionados, estavam na área da conser-vação da água, principalmente da água de chuva, e sua utilização por parte das comunidades. Todos eles tinham como objectivo proporcionar uma maior disponibilidade de água para as comuni-dades. Assim foram projectadas a cons-trução de cisternas com capacidade de recolher 16 000 litros de água da chuva e a abertura manual de represas comunitárias com capacidade de recolha de entre 1 a 2

Caritas Moçambicana

Implementação de um Programa de Segurança Alimentar

“Não pouparemos esforços para libertar os nossos semelhantes, homens, mulheres e crianças, das condições indignas e desumanas da extrema pobreza,

à qual estão submetidos actualmente mais de um bilhão de seres humanos.

Estamos empenhados em fazer do direito ao desenvolvimento uma realidade para todos e libertar toda a humanidade da carência de recursos.”

Declaração do Milênio das Nações Unidas (2002)

Grupo de beneficiários (mulheres) trabalhando na construção de uma represa comunitária na localidade de Chitobe (Machaze/Diocese do Chimoio).

Campro de produção de hortícolas na comunidade de Muchebe (Distrito de Chibabava/Diocese da Beira).

(Continuou na página 9)

Caritas Africa Info: page/página 9

milhões de litros de água. Em volta das represas foram abertas áreas para hortas e culturas resistentes à seca (mandioca, batata doce, ananás e caju). Em locais apropriados foram abertos poços melhorados. Como actividades complementares, foram construídos celeiros melhorados para a conservação dos cereais e melhoradas ou abertas estradas terciárias de forma a permitir a passagem das comunidades às áreas de cultivo e o melhor acesso aos mercados e estimular a actividade comer-cial. No último programa Agosto de 2009 a Setembro de 2010 construíram-se 4 “casas agrárias” com a finalidade a apoiar à comercialização e transformação dos productos agrícolas da zona para além de prover os camponeses de sementes e instrumentos agrícolas a um preço justo e em tempo oportuno. Este programa contou com a participação das Caritas Diocesanas de Beira e

Caritas Mozambique

Implementation of a food security programme

In Mozambique, as in so many other sub-Saharan African countries, numerous people and communities live in absolute poverty. Climate change contributes to further poverty since floods caused by heavy rains, coupled at times with rather improper management of rivers, and prolonged periods of drought prevent significant improvement of the situation. Caritas Mozambique has developed different programmes over recent years. This article highlights the "food security programme" implemented by Caritas Mozambique, in the central provinces of Sofala and Manica and co-financed by Caritas and the Government of Germany. The Government of Mozambique has identified 33 districts (approximately 30% of the districts of the country) as "semi-arid districts". These districts are characterised by a general lack of water, due to prolonged periods of drought. This lack of water generates malnutrition within communities, mainly among children, the elderly and pregnant women.

Caritas Mozambique

Mise en œuvre d’un programme de sécurité alimentaire

Au Mozambique, comme dans de nombreux autres pays d'Afrique subsaharienne, de nombreuses personnes et communautés vivent dans la pauvreté absolue. Le changement climatique contribue davantage à la pauvreté car les inondations causées par des pluies abondantes, accompagnée parfois d’une plutôt mauvaise gestion des rivières, ainsi que les longues périodes de sécheresse empêchent une amélioration significative de la situation. Caritas Mozambique a mis au point différents programmes ces dernières années. Cet article met en lumière le « programme de sécurité alimentaire » mis en œuvre par Caritas Mozambique, dans les provinces centrales de Sofala et Manica et cofinancé par Caritas et le gouvernement Allemand. Le gouvernement du Mozambique a identifié 33 districts (environ 30 % des districts du pays) comme étant « districts semi-arides ». Ces districts sont caractérisés par un manque général d'eau, en raison des longues périodes de sécheresse. Ce manque d'eau génère la malnutrition au sein des communautés, surtout chez les enfants, les femmes enceintes et les personnes âgées.

Chimoio que jogaram um papel funda-mental na identificação e mobilização dos beneficiários para além de contribuírem na solução dos problemas e no apontar de novas estratégias. O programa coloca os técnicos, fornece os materiais de construção e no fim do mês, fornece os alimentos. Como resultado deste programa, durante os 3 anos de funcionamento, foram cons-truídas 229 cisternas familiares e 159 represas, abertos 25 poços comunitários, reabilitados ou abertos 989 km de estradas terciárias, plantadas 9 827 árvores de fruta e de sombra e, abertos 62 campos comu-nitários para produção e multiplicação de plantas resistentes à seca. Neste ano vamos retomar as actividades com mais um programa de segurança alimentar, direcionando as atenções a apenas um Distrito em cada uma das pro-víncias de Manica (Distrito de Tambara) e de Sofala (Distrito de Chemba). Enrique del Castillo Gamez

Caritas Moçambicana

Implementação de um Programa de Segurança Alimentar

(Continuação da página 8)

Editorial

More visibility for Caritas

The Caritas network in Africa is certainly impressive. In fact, everywhere, Caritas is active not only at national level but also at the level of dioceses and parishes. Thus, reference is often made to the widespread capillarity of Caritas.

Caritas work is considerable in many areas: emergency, education, health, drinking water, food security, agriculture, micro finance, empowerment, migration, literacy, among others.

Very often, and this is quite normal, Caritas works very closely with other non-govern-mental organisations or national and inter-national institutions. This partnership is essential and the synergy between partners makes it possible to obtain very positive results.

It is not uncommon to note, while visiting projects carried out by Caritas, with the support of its partners, that the names of the partners are prominently displayed on buildings or signposts whereas that of Caritas is totally absent!

Thus, the activities of Caritas in such cases are ignored even though it is, day after day, actively engaged within communities and effectively contributing to the well-being of many beneficiaires .

For Caritas to be better known and reco-gnized, all those in position of responsibility, at national, diocesan and parish level, are invited to ensure that Caritas is visible by displaying prominently the name "Caritas", and include the Caritas logo.

In order to ensure that every Caritas staff member and volunteer effectively owns the Caritas mindset, it is useful to share with them information about the action of Caritas around the world. They must all fully understand the philosophy of Caritas, its principles and its values, so that they be aware of their own contribution to the great family of Caritas, the social pastoral arm of the Church.

Jacques Dinan

Read and get others to read this newsletter

Lisez et faites lire

cette infolettre

Leia e obter

outros lerem esta Boletim informativo

Caritas Africa Info: page/página 10

Inondations au Bénin

Caritas Bénin appelle à la solidarité internationale Les inondations au Bénin ont cette année eu des effets très dévastateurs. Des pluies diluviennes se sont encore abattues sur ce pays au mois d‟octobre dernier et ont fait de nouvelles victimes. Selon les dernières informations reçues, le nombre de personnes sinistrées s‟élève à 680 000, dont 46 décès. De plus, au 24 octobre 2010, on comptait 846 cas de choléra au Bénin dont 7 décès. A la suite de l‟appel de Caritas Bénin à la solidarité internationale, Caritas Interna-tionalis a lancé un appel d‟urgence afin de recueillir une somme totale de 1,3 million d‟euro pour venir en aide aux sinistrés. Caritas Bénin a fourni et continue à fournir un excellent travail sur le terrain pour venir en aide aux sinistrés. Elle représente aussi les ONG au sein du Comité national de crise mis sur pied par le Gouvernement au coté de 4 ministères et du Coordinateur résident des Nations Unies. Cependant, pour leur permettre de répondre aux besoins de tous les

Désastre et désolation causés par les inondations au Bénin.

bénéficiaires, Caritas Bénin a besoin du soutien de la Confédération. Elle appelle donc les membres de la Confédération à

virer dès que possible les montants des contributions déjà annoncées et à mobi-liser davantage de fonds.

Floods in Benin

Caritas Benin appeals for international solidarity This year, floods in Benin have had very devastating effects. Torrential rains have claimed new victims in that country during the month of October. According to the latest information received, the number of affected persons amounted to 680 000, including 46 deaths. In addition, there were 846 cases of cholera in Benin with 7 fatal cases by 24 October. Following the call from Caritas Benin for international solidarity, Caritas Internationalis has launched an emergency appeal to collect a total of 1.3 million euro to help the country’s victims.

Inundações em Benin

Caritas Benin apelos à solidariedade internacional Este ano, as inundações em Benin tiveram efeitos devastadores muito. Chuvas torrenciais reivindicaram novas vítimas naquele país durante o mês de outubro. De acordo com as últimas informações recebidas, o número de pessoas afectadas ascendeu a 680 euros, incluindo 46 mortos. Além disso, havia 846 casos de cólera em Benin com 7 casos mortais até 24 de outubro. Após a chamada da Caritas Benin à solidariedade internacional, Caritas Internationalis lançou um apelo de emergência para coletar um total de 1,3 milhões de euros para ajudar as vítimas do país.

Thank you

We express our heartfelt thanks to all those of you who have responded positively to our invitation to contribute to this newsletter.

Some of the articles already received will be published in the end of year newsletter. If you have not yet contributed an article, please do so as soon as possible so that it may be published in the December 2010 issue.

Merci

Nous exprimons nos plus sincères remerciements à tous ceux d'entre vous qui avaient répondu positive-ment à notre invitation à contribuer à cette infolettre.

Certains des articles déjà reçus seront publiés dans l’infolettre de fin d'année. Si vous n'avez pas encore contribué un article, veuillez le faire le plus tôt possible afin qu'il puisse être publié dans le numéro de décembre 2010.

Obrigado

Podemos expressar nossos sinceros agradecimentos a todos aqueles que têm respondido positivamente ao nosso convite para contribuir para esta newsletter. Alguns dos artigos já recebidos serão publicado no final do ano newsletter. Se você ainda não tem con-tribuído um artigo, faça-o mais rápido possível para que ele pode ser publicado na edição de Dezembro de 2010.

Caritas Africa Info: page/página 11

She explained that Caritas Rwanda was founded in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the 1959 revolution. Cari-tas Rwanda responded to the immediate needs of those driven from their homes, and then, with the support of bishops, it went on to develop until it had a presence in every parish. Caritas Rwanda provided much needed service to poor communities, especially to women and girls, and to farmers. Caritas always offered its help to all, without dis-tinction, and came to be a meeting point for various communities. “But violent conflict can wipe out years of development progress at a stroke. War and genocide in the 1990s had devastating consequences for the people of Rwanda and for the work of Caritas leaders such Fr. Michel Descombes,” she explained. “Caritas Rwanda was forced to suspend its activities. Friends and colleagues, in-cluding Caritas staff, were lost. It was a time of great tragedy, and of many prayers.” Tragic events like those in Rwanda, and also in Bosnia in the 1990s, showed that peace building and reconciliation is an essential element in development. These events caused a huge shift in how hu-manitarian agencies like Caritas work.

Caritas Rwanda

Celebrating 50 years of commitment and dedication to overcome poverty

(Continued from page 1.) The Caritas confederation set about re-shaping its approach to development and began integrating peace building into its activities. “We put resources into teaching grassroots peace building around the world, and this remains a priority for us today,” stated Lesley-Anne Knight. The task facing Rwanda, Caritas Rwanda and the Church in 1994 was vast. Forgive-ness is at the heart of reconciliation and at the heart of our Christian faith. Caritas and the Church led reconciliation efforts, as well as supporting rebuilding and re-construction. “That the Rwanda we see before us today – a prosperous Rwanda at peace – exists is an enormous testament to the people who took part in that work. It is with deep respect that I pay tribute to them,” stated Lesley-Anne Knight. At the end of her speech, she invited Cari-tas Africa Vice-President, Bruno Miteyo, to present Caritas Rwanda President, Archbishop Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, with the greetings and blessings from Pope Benedict XVI..

Caritas Rwanda

Célébration de 50 années d’engagement et de dévouement pour surmonter la pauvreté

Le dimanche 31 octobre 2010, une importante célébration fut organisée dans un stade à Kigali pour marqué le 50e anniversaire de Caritas Rwanda. Des milliers de membres du personnel de la Caritas locale, des représentants de Caritas membres d'Afrique et d'autres parties du monde, ainsi que Lesley-Anne Knight, Secrétaire générale de Caritas Internationalis, ont assisté à la messe présidée par Mgr Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, archevêque de Kigali et Président de Caritas Rwanda.

À la fin de la célébration, Lesley-Anne Knight a prononcé un discours au nom des 165 membres de Caritas Internationalis. Elle a rendu hommage aux efforts inlassables et courageuses du personnel de Caritas Rwanda et de ses 60 000 bénévoles. « Vous êtes une partie importante de la communauté de Caritas Internationalis, et vous êtes au cœur de la mission de l'Eglise, signe et sacrement de l'amour de Dieu pour l'humanité tout entière, » a-t-elle souligné.

À la fin de son discours, elle a invité Bruno Miteyo, Vice-Président de Caritas Africa, à présenter les salutations et la bénédiction du Pape Benoît XVI au Président de Caritas Rwanda, Mgr Thaddée Ntihinyurwa.

Caritas Rwanda

Comemoração dos 50 anos de empenho e dedicação para vencer a pobreza

O Domingo, 31 de outubro de 2010, uma grande festa foi organizada em um estádio em Kigali marcado o 50º aniversário da Caritas Ruanda. Equipe de milhares de membros da Caritas local, representantes dos membros de Caritas da África e outras partes do mundo, bem como cavaleiro de Lesley-Anne, secretário-geral da Caritas Internationalis, contou a massa presided over Monsenhor Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, Arcebispo de Kigali e Presidente da Cáritas Ruanda.

No final da celebração, Lesley-Anne cavaleiro fez um discurso em nome do membro 165 da Caritas Internationalis. Processado homenagem para o Ruanda Caritas incansável e corajoso e seus 60000 voluntários funcionários esforços. "Você é uma parte importante da Comunidade da Caritas Internationalis, e você está no cerne da missão da Igreja, sinal e Sacramento do amor de Deus para toda a humanidade," Ela enfatizou.

No final de seu discurso, ela convidou Bruno Miteyo, Vice-Presidente da Caritas África, para apresentar a saudação e benção do Papa Bento XVI para o Presidente da Caritas Ruanda, o Bispo Thaddée Ntihinyurwa.

Fr Oreste Incimatata, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda.

Caritas Africa Info: page/página 12

5

2010

Caritas Africa

INFO Number Numéro Número November Novembre Novembro

SECAF, 735 Boulevard des Armées

Tokoin Séminaire, 8395 Lomé, Togo

Tel.: (228) 221 29 37 Fax : (228) 222 00 26

Email : secaf@togo-imet.com secaf@caritas-africa.org

Sudanese Church Leaders pay advocacy visit to the UN

“The people of southern Sudan expect to fulfil their right of self-determination on 9th January 2011. Denial of this right, for whatever reason, represents a fundamental denial of their human dignity. Unity has not been made attractive and the causes of almost five decades of civil war have not been addressed and cannot be papered over. People in the south see the referendum as their opportunity to choose freedom.”

The above quote is from the Sudanese Ecumenical Delegation, composed of Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, leader of the Anglican Church, Roman Catholic Emeritus Bishop Paride Taban of Torit and Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Adwok Kur of Khartoum, Rev Ramadan Chan, Secretary General of Sudan Council of Churches, and Dr Sam Kobia, Ecumenical Special Envoy to Sudan, and representatives from Caritas Interna-tionalis and the World Council of Churches, that visited New York and the United Nations from 9 to 16 October last. Their warning is clear: “Cancellation or postponement of the referendum, or a perception that the referendum outcome does

not match the will of the people, will not be understood by the people and will create a dangerous vacuum which could be filled by violence and even a return to war. The international community must be ready for a disputed referendum result.” The delegation called upon the UN and the international community to support Sudan. In a statement, the Church

leaders said: “The international community must accept that if there is a new war in Sudan, or widespread violence against civilians, then the UN and the international community must bear responsibility for a failure to fulfil their obligations to gua-rantee the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and to bring peace to Sudan.” They added: “The international community must rise to the challenge and respect the right of self-determination and the human dignity of the populations of these areas; hold accountable those who abuse the human rights of southern civilians in northern Sudan; support those southerners who wish to return to the south; prepare for the potential humanitarian disaster if mass migration takes place, listen to and respect the voice of the voiceless, the voice of the suffering people of southern Sudan and the transitional areas, as expressed by the Church.” Joseph Cornelius Donnelly, Caritas Internationalis Permanent Delegate to the UN served on the overall Planning Committee with particular service to secure diplomatic meetings at the United Nations.

The Sudanese Church Leaders delegation with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York.

Plaidoyer de Chefs d’Eglise du Soudan auprès des Nations Unies

Une délégation œcuménique du Soudan a visité les Nations Unies du 9 au 16 octobre afin de lancer un appel à la communauté internationale. Les Chefs d’Eglise ont expliqué que les peuples du Sud Soudan doivent pouvoir exprimer leur droit à l’auto-détermination lors du referendum du 9 janvier 2011. Ils ont déclaré que la communauté internationale sera tenue responsable si une nouvelle guerre éclate au Soudan ou s’il y a une violence généralisée envers les civils.

Argumento de Chefes de Igreja do Sudão junto das Nações Unidas

Uma delegação ecumênica do Sudão visitou as Nações Unidas de 9 a 16 de outubro para lançar um apelo à comunidade internacional. Os líderes da Igreja, explicou que o povo do Sul do Sudão deve expressar o seu direito à autodeterminação do referendo de 9 de Janeiro de 2011. Eles afirmaram que a comunidade internacional será responsabilizada se uma nova guerra irrompe no Sudão ou se não houver uma violência civil generalizada.