News related to advocacy at the UN
13. December 11
Durban outcome is not enough, says WCC
In a statement read on 9 December to government members from around the world at the United Nations climate summit in Durban, South Africa, the WCC reaffirmed the need for a fair, ambitious and binding treaty to effectively address climate change effects on vulnerable communities.
28. November 11
Religious voices advocate for climate justice at Durban
“This is the only home we have,” said Archbishop Desmond Tutu referring to the crucial significance of our planet and its survival. He was speaking in an interfaith rally in Durban, urging international leaders to deliver a fair, ambitious and binding treaty to address climate change effectively.
23. November 11
WCC calls Durban a “last opportunity” to act responsibly for climate justice
Considering climate change a “moral and spiritual crisis”, the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit calls the COP17 United Nations conference on climate change a “last opportunity for the international community to be responsible in addressing climate change”.
23. November 11
Before Durban climate talks, Brazilian ecumenists think about Rio+20
While staff of the WCC and sister organizations such as the Lutheran World Federation are preparing for the COP17 meeting in Durban, South Africa next week, the ecumenical community in Brazil is starting to think about 2012 when the UN conference Rio+20 will assess the outcomes of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development.
Churches to play crucial role in regulating international arms trade
Churches have an important role to play in the lead-up to negotiations of a global treaty in 2012 to regulate the conventional arms trade, a WCC panel in New York has concluded. Key human rights obligations must be embedded in the treaty and churches should lobby together, on the basis of faith, said the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit.
28. September 11
WCC sees opportunity for peace in Palestine's UN application
The WCC has urged strong positive action by the United Nations on behalf of Palestine. While the WCC has advocated justice for Palestinians and Israelis for decades, the United Nations Security Council’s consideration of full membership for Palestine was hailed by the WCC and regional churches as an opportunity for peace.
10. June 11
Current violence in Sudan threatens independent South Sudan
Escalating violence against civilians in Sudan’s disputed South Kordofan State is leading to major humanitarian catastrophe with an estimated 300,000 people besieged, cut off from relief aid, and unable to escape fighting, according to a number of aid agencies and witnesses in the region.
24. May 11
What does “God's security” look like?
As a 10-year-old schoolgirl, on 6 August 1945, at 8:15 a.m., Setsuko Thurlow, then Nakamura, suddenly saw a brilliant bluish light flash outside her schoolroom window. “I remember the sensation of floating in the air. When I regained consciousness, in the total darkness and silence, I found myself in the rubble.”
Churches showing more initiative on stemming human rights abuse
The Rev. Joachim Mukambu Ya'Namwisi, who represents both the Church of Christ and the Mennonite Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said he has watched churches develop increasing strength when it comes to standing up for basic human rights.
22. May 11
Human trafficking: violence against humanity
Fourteen-year old Gudiya Putul is not in Kingston, Jamaica attending the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, but her name and history were brought to the attention of some participants Saturday during a workshop on economic injustice and human trafficking.