LONDON—The world is facing the worst refugee crisis in modern times – and the global response has been pitifully inadequate, according to the latest annual report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Humanitarian groups are calling for a global summit to address the crisis.
News
All at sea: what lies behind Southeast Asia’s migrant crisis?
The plight of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers from Myanmar and Bangladesh, left adrift without food and water for nearly a week, has all the hallmarks of a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Yet despite statements of concern from governments, aid agencies and human rights groups, there is little sign of a coordinated plan to address the issue. Boats have been spotted off the coasts of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, apparently abandoned by human trafficking gangs who operate across maritime and land borders and shunned by regional powers.
Dalai Lama leads multi-faith congregation in prayer
The Dalai Lama led a rare multi-faith congregation in prayers for world peace in Brisbane Cathedral on Thursday as his Australia tour again faced protests by minority Shugden Buddhists accusing the Tibetan spiritual leader of persecution.
Pope says world haunted by 'atmosphere of war'
Pope Francis on Saturday bemoaned the “atmosphere of war” haunting the world as he urged the people of war-scarred Sarajevo to provide an example of how different cultures and religions can co-exist peacefully.
Religions for Peace Nepal Update
Our Religions for Peace family on its different levels is collaborating effectively: Religions for Peace International (RfP International), Religions for Peace Asia (RfP Asia) and Religions for Peace Nepal (RfP Nepal) are working as a single team to support our multi-religious collaboration in Nepal.
After Nepal quake, survivors struggle in squalid camps
More than a week after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, cutting a wide swath of destruction through the country, residents in relief camps are struggling to get by. “Life is very miserable in camps,” said Mangla Maya Swal. Swal has been living in a camp in Bhaktapur district since her home was badly damaged in the April 25 quake. She and her family of nine are sharing a single tent, which in normal circumstances would be insufficient for two or three people
Asian Conference – News from Nepal
Nepal is member of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace. We have been anxiously awaiting news from Nepal, particularly about members of the Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, as we have dear friends among their number. One email has been received, which gives information about the current state of affairs in Nepal.
Asian Conference Condolence to Nepal
The Asian Conference of Religions for Peace, ACRP, encompasses the Asian-Pacific region, stretching from the countries of the Middle East and South Asia up to Central Asia across to East Asia and South-East Asia and down to the countries of the South Pacific. One of the earliest assemblies of Religions for Peace Asia was held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Earthquake in Nepal
The members of Religions for Peace – the world’s largest multi-religious coalition solely dedicated to advancing principled cooperation for peace – offer our most heartfelt sympathy and loving solidarity to the people of Nepal and its neighboring countries affected by the earthquake. We are deeply saddened by the magnitude of devastation experienced and have great concern for the wellbeing of all those impacted.
A Common Word Among the Youth
Following on with the success of “A Common Word between Us and You” is A Common Word Among Youth. This is a program fostered by the Right Start Foundation International which offers placements for youth between 18 – 35 to participate in training for initiating change and translating international issues into local community activities.
2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions
The globe’s largest and oldest interfaith gathering, Parliament of the World’s Religions will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, in 15 – 19 October 2015.
In the cold light of dawn – the tradition of the Dawn Service
The military tradition of the Dawn Parade was to prepare troops for attack in the half light of the early morn. It was this tradition which has become the ANZAC Dawn Service – a tradition which unfolded in different ways in different states. Here we look to the work of Padre White of Albany, Western Australia, the point of departure for troops sailing overseas during World War I .