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Since independence in 1948, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) has been the site of escalating violence between the majority Sinhalese community and minority Tamils. The current ethnic conflict has deep historical, racio-religious, geo-political and economic roots intermingled with local power politics. | |
With highlighted attention on the abuse of human rights in China in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics, Associated Press (AP) has reported that the Malaysian Government has banned performances of an artistic dance presentation seen as critical of China.
The AP report quoted an unnamed official in Malaysia's Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage as saying the show's performance permit was revoked because the Chinese Embassy complained that the organizers were supporters of Falun Gong. "We have to take care of our relationship with China. It is very important." the official said.
Parts of the performance hint artistically at the persecution of Falun Gong practioners by police in China.
The show is on a world tour and will be presented across Australia in coming weeks with performances:-
For ticket information visit www.divineperformingarts.org
Buddhism is an ancient belief system which focuses on personal spiritual development and the pursuit of harmony, wisdom and compassion. The importance of showing concern for others and living a morally responsible life lie at the heart of Buddhist teachings. While the Buddhist faith is thriving in Australia, this peaceful religion and its homeland of Tibet are threatened by Chinese Government repression and control. | |
| The bitter taste of chocolate Can you live on chocolate alone? Neither can the countless farming families that depend on cocoa for a living? Nearly half the world’s chocolate is made from cocoa grown in the Cote d’Ivoire, in Africa. 12, 000 children have been trafficked into cocoa farms in Cote d’Ivoire. When we buy chocolate we are being forced to be oppressors ourselves as we have no guarantee that the chocolate we eat is ‘traffik free’. Download document here: .pdf 328KB |  |
Now for 10 Year Old Recommendations to be Acted On
The Edmund Rice Centre today welcomed the apology to the Stolen Generations to be made in the Australian Parliament and urged the Rudd Government to also ensure that the recommendations of the 1997 Bringing Them Home Report are implemented.
Climate change and war are intimately related. Future generations will ask us: “What did you do to diminish climate change by trying to stop the invasion of Iraq? What did you do to prevent the terrible effects of climate change such as rising sea levels, desertification, drought, cyclones and the collapse of vulnerable societies?” No longer can these be called ‘acts of God’. They must be called by their true name: ‘acts of people’. Working for peace is integral to overcoming climate change – and peace movements and environmental groups need to work together. |
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It is not enough for wealthy nations to focus on projected emission targets
The Edmund Rice Centre, the coordinating organization of the Pacific Calling Partnership (PCP), today called for the climate change debate to focus beyond science and economics, reminding participants that they must also consider the needs of effected peoples.
The media release may be downloaded here: pdf (2 pages -- 37KB)
| Human trafficking is a complex crime that transcends national boundaries and impacts on many different countries, including Australia. The purpose of trafficking is sexual or labour based exploitation where the victim is usually deceived about the type and conditions of work they are being recruited for. Australia’s effort to tackle this crime has come from both the government and the community, however combating this phenomenon is no easy task – especially since there is widespread disagreement as to the types of conduct that amount to trafficking. |
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| The use of private military contractors needs to be re-evaluated, especially when used in armed roles. The reevaluation needs to determine what roles are appropriate for private companies and what is necessary in public service, especially armed roles within counterinsurgency and contingency operations. More and more roles are being outsourced which has consequences for the overall mission. |
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Con Jobs: Why Work Choices and Welfare to Work fail the vulnerable. Recent changes to Australia’s industrial relations and welfare systems are carrying a very real human cost – and it is our most vulnerable citizens who are forced to pay the price.
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Our homes offer shelter, a refuge from the world and a financial asset. Indeed access to safe and secure housing is a human right. However in light of soaring housing prices and the cramped and competitive Australian housing market, home ownership is becoming a struggle, housing stress is on the rise, and the amount and quality of social housing available for vulnerable Australians is undermined. |
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Does being an Australian citizen extend to asking deeper questions as to ‘who is my neighbour’ and how can I respond humanly to his or her needs? The Australian Government has decided what it means to be an Australian. For those who have been born here it has not come up as an issue. Many of us probably have no idea what it means. Though many would be sure that they know what it is not to be an Australian. Download document here: .pdf 277KB |  |
Why teaching about unions may be useful Unions are often in the news. At times what is reported about them seem to highlight the conflictual. Unions are an important part of modern society. They have been important in shaping how we in Australia and many other countries live. ERC has published a study paper on this topic in the ERC JustNews series on current issues. Download document here: .pdf 256KB |  |
A group of ten Australians return to Sydney today after a study trip to the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati to learn up close about the implications of global warming for local residents. The visit is part of the build up to the December UN summit on climate change, to be held in Bali.
| The Australian Refugee Rights Alliance (ARRA) is very concerned about increasing numbers of Chinese nationals seeking asylum in Australia who have failed the refugee status determination process (RSD) despite cases of a “well founded fear of persecution”. Download document here: .doc 462KB .pdf 248KB |  |
The Edmund Rice Centre, with a long background in working with people from the Horn of Africa, including refugees from Sudan, strongly rejected the Immigration Minister’s decision to reduce the African intake in Australia’s humanitarian visa program.
As part of the build up to the December UN summit on climate change, to be held in Bali, ten Australians from NSW and Queensland are currently journeying to the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati to learn up close about the implications of global warming for local residents. Download release here
In early 2007, Edmund Rice Centre interns Anthea Ingram and Camille Furtado completed a 3-month intership at Sanlaap, an anti-trafficking organisation based in Kolkata. Listen to an SBS worldview story on how ERC is supporting Sanlaap's work through developing an international women's network and internship program. Listen to podcast.
Homophobia, a fear or hatred of homosexuality or homosexuals undermines families, endangers health, emdangers basic human rights and we should all be concerned by it. To read more click here.
There is no question that leadership and urgent action are needed to combat the sexual abuse of children. However, the creation of a new “Super Mission” in Northern Australia is not the solution.
Latest News: (1) ERC's The Brooklyn Project - 2nd to 6th April; (2) ERC Just Comment: Sri Lanka.
Afternoon Tea for the Future
Corporations: Are we marketing the Earth away
2pm to 4pm, Tuesday, 1st April 2008
Further details here: ATftF
CD Launch - ERC & Pacific Calling Partnership
The slide-show of photos from the Launch evening is now available.
The national launch was recently held of our new environmental education music CD Turn Down the Heat. The evening was a great success featuring artists from the CD together with presentations on the implications of climate change for our Pacific & Torres Strait Island neighbours.
Click here for further details of the CD.
The CD and accompanying educational resources are available for purchase now. Click here to download an order form for the CD & resources (pdf 170KB)
Donations to ERC now tax deductible!
Late in 2007 the Edmund Rice Centre received advice from the Australian Taxation Office that we had been endorsed as a deductible gift recipient. This means that donations over $2.00 may now be claimed as a deduction from taxable income.
Cheques should be drawn to Edmund Rice Centre Services. We will have a donation form available here in coming days for credit card, bank transfer, direct debit and monthly pledged donations. For further details contact the Centre:-
ERC Brooklyn Project
Preparations are well advanced for the ERC activity, The Brooklyn Project: www.brooklyn.org.au
The Project brings together young people from around the country to revisit the 1890's process of forming our nation's Constitution.
The project was conceived by ERC Director Phil Glendenning, together with the father of reconciliation Pat Dodson and Paul Lane of the Lingiari Foundation.
The initial five day gathering with 25 young people will be held from 2nd to 6th April 2008 in the Brooklyn area on the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney.
It was in this area around Brooklyn on board the SS Lucinda, a Qld Government steamer, that work to prepare the first draft of what was to become the Australian Constitution was undertaken over the Easter weekend of 1891.
The selection of participants emphasises representation from those sectors excluded in the original drafting process - at which the participants were all of mature years, all of anglo-celtic origins, and all male.
Event Calendar
Click here for NSW events, or click on any other of the region tabs at the top, for details of more social justice, human rights & eco-justice related events in your area.
