On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day. On that day, in 1990, the Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Each year, 18 December is celebrated as International Migrants Day. The Theme for Migrants Day 2021 is Harnessing the potential of human mobility.
News
Pax Christi Conference: Where does Australia’s Security Lie?
AUKUS has raised much debate. Do Defence Alliances make us truly secure? What value do we put on trust building and better relations with countries? How deft is our foreign policy towards China? What is the cost of not pursuing non-violent approaches to conflict prevention? This Conference is timely before a Federal Election. The conference is planned for February 19th, 2022.
Mindfulness & the creative process
The Contemplative Studies Centre at Melbourne University produces many online events examining meditation, the fruits of different kinds of meditation and the spin-offs from meditation and practising mindfulness. Here, the Contemplative Studies Centre presents Mindfulness and the Creative process. There is a related Art exhibition.
Enough is Enough My Dear Myanmar
Cardinal Charles Bo (Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar) speaks of how peace is important this Christmas season, now more than ever, and asks us to reflect on how did this peace leave us in the first place.
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem release “Statement on the Current Threat to the Christian Presence on the Holy Land”
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have released a “Statement on the Current Threat to the Christian Presence in the Holy Land,” reiterating the concern that, throughout the Holy Land, Christians have become the target of fringe and radical groups.
Azhar to intensify implementation of fraternity document with Vatican: Grand imam
Egypt’s Al-Azhar will build on earlier efforts with the Vatican and intensify measures to implement the provisions of the Document on Human Fraternity, Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb said.
Human Rights Day 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a major crossroads: either we take the route of collective action and concretely address the pervasive inequalities that have risen across the globe, or we continue on the route filled with deep-rooted injustices and pervasive inequalities. On Human Rights Day, 10 December, we are choosing to take the path that brings us towards a future with equality at its core. We invite you to join us.
Statement of Religions for Peace Women of Faith on Overcoming (Sexual) Violence Against Women
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we, women of diverse faiths, beliefs, traditions and spiritualities, from different countries around the world, come together to speak out against violence in all forms, particularly against girls and women, who continue to suffer multiple forms, and disproportionately so. According to our partners the World Health Organisation, 1 in 3 women – around 736 million globally – experiences physical or sexual violence throughout her/their lifetime.
17th Sakyadhita Buddhist Women’s Conference, online December 26-29
The 17th Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women’s Conference, taking place virtually December 26-29, is open for registration. Lion’s Roar’s Andrea Miller talks to Sakyadhita’s president Sharon Suh about her work and the organization’s mission to benefit Buddhist women around the world.
From Sri Lanka to Australia: how women are remaking Buddhism
Full ordination as a Buddhist nun, or Bhikkhuni, is lifechanging for women like Ayya Suvira. “My ordination day was the happiest day of my life,” says Suvira Bhikkhuni. “The motion is passed to accept you as a member of the sangha – it’s a very special experience.”
The Role of Religious Leaders in Peacemaking: What is Needed?
This guest blog by Prof. Mohammed Abu-Nimer is adapted from his remarks at the G20 Interfaith Forum in Bologna, Italy in September 2021. Abu-Nimer is a Senior Advisor at KAICIID and Professor of Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University. Prior to exploring some possible ways of engaging religious stakeholders and policymakers, and the challenges associated with this path, let us acknowledge several positive developments in the field of interreligious peace-making.
Faith and Diplomacy
As 2021 draws to a close, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace are joining forces to host a discussion on the nexus between faith and diplomacy, in 2022 and beyond. The consultation will take place on Friday, 10 December 2021 from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET (in the USA)
