Category Archives: Human Rights

The experiential journey as a three month intern in Geneva

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It was a call from Sr. Susan Chia, Congregational link councilor, who had visited the Sri Lanka/ Pakistan province for a workshop on “Participative model of Leadership” which made me realize the need to get experience in relation to the Human Rights Based Approach and the instruments which were available at international level which could assist us to be more effective at the local level. From that day onwards all the arrangement were made for me to have an experiential learning process in Geneva and I arrived here on 10th January 2013.  Read more…

Congratulation Sr. Niluka Perera from the  Province of Sri Lanka/Pakistan on this achievement and congratulations to your mentors Hedwig and Clare!

Good Shepherd Written Statement for the 2013 ECOSOC High Level Segment 1 – 5 July at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

The High Level Segment will include sessions on the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR). The theme for the AMR segment this year will focus on “Science, technology and innovation, and the potential of culture, for promoting sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals”.

This is a unique opportunity for organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC – and for civil society at large – to be heard at ECOSOC deliberations, as well as to contribute to issues of critical concern to the global development agenda. It will also provide a platform to specifically address the topic of scientific and technological innovation, which is a crucial cross-cutting theme for the achievement of the MDGs.

Here is a copy of what we have submitted entitled ‘Social Protection Floors, Gender Equality and Development’

The Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, an NGO present in more than 70 countries addresses the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR)  on behalf of girls and women living in extreme poverty.    The theme of the AMR segment brings to mind the Agreed Conclusion of Commission on the Status of Women 55th session, (2008) paragraph 9, outlining how access of girls and women to participation in science and technology is imperative for achieving gender equality and is an economic necessity leading to the full participation of girls and women in social, economic and political development.  The same Commission noted and this continues to be the experience of our organization that dissemination of developments in science and technology has insufficiently responded to women’s needs.   The persistent feminization of poverty, gender based violence and lack of access to health, education, training and employment reinforced by legal, economic, social and cultural barriers renders void the desires of the Commission.

Much has been reflected on, written up and recommended for implementation but the political will toward adapting innovative ways is lacking and thwarted by the demands of an economic model that prioritizes profit over development.  Cultures carry meaning and unless challenged are the drivers of inequalities and violence – gender inequalities, poverty/wealth inequalities and gender based violence and their resultant consequences.   Cultural mindsets reinforcing gender inequality and profits ‘at all cost’ have perpetuated all sorts of human rights violations and exploitative actions against women and girls, sexually, economically, educationally and politically.

The AMR, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the articulation of a post 2015 development agenda offer new possibilities.  We are on the brink of moving to a new paradigm coupling a human rights based approach with equality.  The Millennium Development Goals did not have a human rights framework nor a gender based violence prevention component.   The dominant economic model has failed to eradicate poverty and has only facilitated growing inequalities.  Poverty reduction, access to quality education, health, water and sanitation, equality between women and men, girls and boys  and the elimination of gender based violence must be addressed.  Science, technology and innovation have much to offer. We are aware of how mobile technology boost health care in Bangladesh and in our programs mobile technology is used to combat violence against women and girls.

One very promising approach which has growing support among member states and non-governmental organization alike is the implementation of nationally tailored social protection floors in accordance with Recommendation 202 of the International Labour Organization.  Our organization advocates for human rights-based social protection floors having a gender sensitive lens, and providing access to essential services and basic income financed from within national budgets.  Human rights are a non negotiable element and more than principles and metrics.  We urge member states to put science, technology and innovation at the service of girls’ and women’s dignity and empowerment through implementation of social protection floors towards sustainable development and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

 

African Women’s Caucus Position Statement 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women Elimination and Prevention of All Forms of Violence against Women and Girls

Read the African interventions during CSW 57    There are a number of statements echoing more or less the same content.  Begin with the Oral Statement  Click here  African W omen’s Caucus Oral Statement to CSW 57  At the bottom of this statement there is a link to another statement on Resolution 1325   –  the commitments to ensure the representation of women in peace process including the prevention, resolution, management of conflicts and post-conflict reconstruction –  and the African Women’s Caucus Position Statement.                                                                                      Ferew Lemma, NGO Regional Designate for ‘Good Shepherd’ in Africa attended CSW 57 and this Caucus on your behalf.  Links are also provided to  ADDIS ABABA DECLARATION OF AFRICA MINISTERIAL PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE 57TH SESSION OF THE COMMISION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN ON THE PRIORITY THEME:  ELIMINATION AND PREVENTION OF ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS    Addis_Declaration_on_ending_VAWG_ADOPTED_16_Jan_2013  AND FRENCH  DÉCLARATION D’ADDIS-ABEBA Fr._Addis_Declaration_on_ending_VAWG_ADOPTED_-_REV

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Participation in the 54th CEDAW session and Global to Local Mentoring Programme

Niluka

As a 3 month human rights intern with the Justice and Peace Office in Geneva, from the Province of Sri Lanka/Pakistan, it was a privilege As a 3 month human rights intern with the Justice and Peace Office in Geneva, from the Province of Sri Lanka/Pakistan, it was a priviled for me to attend the 54th CEDAW session at the UN and take part in a mentoring programmes which was conducted by IWRAW (International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific) an international women’s human rights organization.

CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) mandates substantive equality and gender related laws, policies and programmes that are based on human rights. It requires state parties to condemn discrimination against women and ensure its elimination.  The states who have ratified the convention are obliged to submit  reports to the UN every five years and have constructive discussions with the CEDAW committee members on  the implementation of the convention in their respective states.

At the 54th CEDAW session scheduled from 11th February – 1st March 2013 the CEDAW committee reviewed 8 state parties – Pakistan, Austria, Hungary, Cyprus, Greece, Angola, Macedonia, and the Solomon Islands.

As an intern, for my learning I concentrated on the Alternative report of Hungary which was prepared by our sisters in Hungary. The weekend work shop with IWRAW helped me to understand the CEDAW convention as well as the process of the session, the NGO oral presentation, how to effectively lobby committee members and the follow up work that could be done once NGO representatives return home. We were 10 participants representing 5 NGOs from Hungary and Pakistan.

The first three days were spent in writing the oral statements and learning how to present it at the informal meeting between CEDAW and the NGOs. The three days programme focused on the following: how to effectively lobby the CEDAW committee members, an introduction to each committee member including their areas of interest, country rapporteurs, inviting the CEDAW secretary for meaningful dialogue, and conducting mock sessions etc. It helped all NGO representatives to be at ease in forwarding their concerns to the committee members.

Then from Monday to Friday we were at country sessions, presenting our oral statements for lobbying CEDAW committee members at lunch briefings, meeting them and feeding them information from the grassroots level, attending the sessions of reporting by the country delegation, listening to constructive dialogue between the delegations and the CEDAW committee members and daily debriefing with the resource personnel. It was an enriching experience for me. This training helped me to understand how effectively NGOs can work with the CEDAW convention before, during and after the session. Personally I felt that it would have been much better if I was able to come up with the alternative report of my own country. Whenever GS participates in writing alternative reports on our own country we must not miss this opportunity; because as an NGO working towards the empowerment of women, this will be the best opportunity to raise our voice for the voiceless who are violated and disempowered.

I am grateful to the Congregation for giving me an experiential learning opportunity. I am confident that this will enable me to be more effective in my ministry.

Geneva, 17 February 2013, Sr. Niluka Perera

I am Rising: Michelle Bachelet’s Message for the One Billion Rising campaign

UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet stands up for the fundamental human right of every woman and girl to live a life free from fear and violence, as part of the One Billion Rising campaign sponsored by Eve Ensler’s V-day organization. On 14 February 2013, join her and one billion women and men around the world, who will rise up, walk out, dance and demand an end to this violence.

 

Across the world, social movements, organizations, schools and offices are preparing to take to the streets on Valentine’s Day, Thursday 14 February, to dance for a gender justice revolution: One Billion Rising!
The Campaign recognizes the gravity of persistent violence against women in the home, schools, workplaces and public spheres, women and men are mobilizing to call for an end to rape, and end to the normality of violence against women.
Violence against women is a key issue which prevents the realization of gender justice. It is estimated that one in three women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.
Paul Quintos, Campaign Manager, said: “Violence against women has enormous social, economic, physical and psychological impacts on all of society – affecting both men and women. Equitable and sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the causes and effects of violence against women.”
“Gender justice is critical to poverty reduction and development. There must be substantive social change to challenge patriarchy. Our social and political systems must be reformed by strong government commitments to create a more equitable and just society for all.” The Campaign for People’s Goals for Sustainable Development supports One Billion Rising and calls for effective and substantive legal and political action to address violence against women and children in all spheres of life, and enacted by all people.
The Campaign for People’s Goals calls for governments to:
  • Recognize gender justice as a key objective to achieve development
  • Ensure there is effective legislation, and enforcement of legislation on rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment and other forms of violence against women.
  • Ensure there are widespread social education and programs through schools, workplaces and public centers to change patriarchal attitudes and negative social and cultural practices.

Responses to Consultation on Participation in Decision Making

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Executive Summary – Responses to consultation on Participation

The compiled responses have been submitted to the office of Ms. Magdalena Sepulveda Carmona, (Chile), Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights.  There were 35 responses from Good Shepherd. The Special Rapporteur will use this information to inform her annual report of June 2013.  If you wish to see the document it is on the UN website page  under NGO Sub-Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons.

I had the document translated into Spanish Consulta con ONG   and French  La consultation de l’ONG  Thank you for contributing to this important work.

The content of this consultation will be shared on Wednesday March 6, 2013 at a side event on the opening day of the Commission for Social Development:  Grass Root Voices do have Choices

Following Sr Niluka in Geneva.

“Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen who work for human rights to peace I welcome this opportunity to address the civil society preparing for the Advisory Committee and give full support to the Draft Declaration on the Right to Peace. As a Sri Lankan whose country is the aftermath of civil war, I affirm the necessity of the right to Peace as a foundation of all human rights. As a member of an international NGO, doing direct service for women and girls, I affirm that this issue pertains not only to my own country but to far too many nations, far too many suffering people have been stripped of human dignity and rights due to conditions of war.” ( Excerpt of Niluka’s statement) Read more on the following link or on our Justice Peace website page:

Good Shepherd will present a side event during CSW 57

Flyer for Side Event during CSW 57

Congratulations on a great initiative undertaken by Sr Therese Thong and her staff in Taiwan.  They registered for a side event during  CSW 57 .  Two staff are coming for the Commission – HUNG-SHIN  LIU and  WANCHING  CHEN.  Hung-Shin is the Deputy Executive Director who will present on Aboriginal Effort to Stop Domestic Violence.   He will be joined on the panel by Ferew Lemma, Executive Director of Nolawi Services, Ethiopia presenting on networking with Government and NGO’s on issues of violence against women.  Maureen McGowan, Director of Handcrafting Justice will address the role of economic justice projects in preventing violence against women and girls.  This side event is a truly international effort to ‘Stop Violence Against Women and Children’ reflecting multidimensional approaches used by good Shepherd Around the World.  The event will take place on Wednesday March 6, 2013 at 10.30 a.m.  If you click on the flyer it will enlarge.   Coming soon the results of the survey you contributed to in August 2012.

Congratulations Sr Niluka

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Sr Niluka Perera, Good Shepherd International Justice Peace Intern from Sri Lanka:

– Receiving her UN badge;
- Receiving guidance from Sr.Hedwig Jöhl, GS NGO representative in Geneva;
- Attending work on the the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and
- Greeting and Networking with Ms Hiranthi Wijemanne, Sri Lankan member of the UN Child Rights Committee.

Clare Nolan, training facilitator is currently visiting in Geneva with Hewig and Niluka.

Good Shepherd Statement to the Commission for Social Development

States have opportunities for real leadership in facilitating a global paradigm shift through the incorporation of the guiding principles on extreme poverty and human rights into national laws, policies and programmes and the implementation of ILO recommendation 202 on national floors of social protection. These are giant steps towards creating an empowering environment and achieving poverty eradication, social integration and full employment and decent work for all. We support the Commission towards this end.   Read the full Good Shepherd Statement to the Commission for Social Development - available in the 6 languages of the United Nations.  ngocsocd2012