Human Rights Record of USA Reviewed
The USA presented for Universal Periodic Review on 11 May. State parties in their comments and Recommendations targeted heavily the ‘big ticket’ issues of equality particularly all forms of racial…
Visit of Post-School UK Leaders
At the end of March I spent a few days with the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in Geneva and a group of Edmund Rice senior camp leaders. It has shown…
Understanding the UN – the International Labour Organisation
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) was founded in 1919, to pursue a vision based on the premise that universal, lasting peace can be established only if it is based on…
High Commissioner Calls for Renewed Dedication to Inalienable Human Rights
In his opening address to the 28th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, called upon representatives to…
Holy See Urges Greater Accessiblity and Affordability for Medicines and Diagnostic Testing
In a statement to the Social Forum of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Tomasi urged a…
The Odd Couple – Business and Human Rights
In the first week of December 2014, the United Nations in Geneva hosted the third Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights. This is designed to showcase and review how…
Bolivia Accepts Recommendations to Address Violations of Rights of Children
The issues of violence against children in the home, school and workplace; child labour and the right to education, featured prominently in the recently concluded UPR of Bolivia. A total…
Asylum Seekers in Australia – Joint Statement at UN
The following joint statement by Franciscans International & Edmund Rice International was delivered at the 27th Session of the UN Human Rights Council: “Franciscans International and Edmund Rice International welcome…
Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (2014 – 2024)
In June, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared the decade 2014‑2024 as the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL). The initiative, seeks to make universal access to renewable…
Inaugural UN Environment Assembly Calls for Decisive Action on a Range of Issues
“The air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that grows our food are part of a delicate ecosystem that is increasingly under pressure,” said UN Secretary General…