Joining ERI in Geneva meant stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a leap of faith into the unknown. This decision, made for the mission of my Congregation, has revealed a world more fragmented than I ever imagined, and more in need of voices and hands committed to peace.
On August 29, 2024, I met with Brothers Brian, Terry, and Tino to discuss how I could contribute to ERI in Geneva and what insights I could bring back to my Congregation and my work. Their warm welcome and introduction made me feel immediately part of the ERI team. During my first week, I was introduced to the workings of the United Nations Council, its commissions and the mechanisms involved. As the Human Rights Council sessions approached, I was asked to prepare a statement related to my area of work. This was a valuable learning experience, and having the opportunity to present two statements before the UN Council was truly unique.
I also participated in online meetings organized by the ERI team, including sessions with advocacy coordinators, justice coordinators, and justice representatives from schools. These meetings were enlightening, as they exposed me to the wide range of human rights education and advocacy programs being implemented in different parts of the world. They deepened my understanding of how various initiatives come together to promote justice and human rights on multiple fronts especially in schools and with the youth.
I had the opportunity to attend several parallel events at the United Nations focused on the human rights crisis in Myanmar, extradition and violations in Russia, Bahrain, Azerbaijan and the UAE. There was also a call for Sri Lanka to reconcile with its past and pursue meaningful reforms.
There were also issues discussed such as internal displacement in Sudan, landmine and cluster munition issues in Mozambique and other nations, the supply of arms by nations to conflict zones, and the weaponization of technology. Discussions included drug trafficking in Manipur and the use of the death penalty for drug traffickers in Saudi Arabia, as well as the encroachment and mining in vulnerable regions like Baluchistan, Guatemala, and Colombia. The climate crisis was emphasized as a human rights issue, particularly in the context of conflict-driven climate change in Gaza and Kashmir.
During one of the side events, I had the opportunity to hear from Israeli hostages released by Hamas and the pleas of family members whose loved ones still remain captive. There was also a focus on the human rights situation of women and children in conflict zones, especially in Gaza, where 70% of war casualties are women and children. In 2023, 460 million people in the world lived in conflict zones, with children, the most innocent, enduring severe trauma. The discussions highlighted the urgency of eliminating violence against children through human rights engagement, advancing the right to education through gender-transformative curricula, and promoting human rights education for, by, and with children. There was also a strong call for achieving gender equality in family law and safeguarding LGBTQ rights.
It is remarkable to witness how women continue to lead the fight for strong and resilient communities in war-torn nations. Members from civil society, see the flicker of hope rising from the ashes of destruction and remain steadfast in their commitment to building peace. Their collective efforts inspire a vision of renewal and transformation, demonstrating the power of unity in overcoming adversity.
The past one month was a temple of wisdom, loaded with experiences that stirred my conscience and triggered my mind. Peace is what the world needs most. In the words of Pope Frances, “Peace is made with our hands not just with the powerful and the treaties.” True peace must begin in each of our hearts, starting with my own.
Looking forward for more opportunities in the coming months at ERI, Geneva.
Dr. Sr. Maria Samala Isaac (Sr. Priyanthi) SCC
Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod
Geneva