(ANS – Geneva) – From June 11-15, some members of the World Council of Salesian Co-operators went to Geneva to reflect on the importance of the presence of the Association at the United Nations.

Sr. Maria Grazia Caputo, representative of the International Institute of Mary Help of Christians (IIMA) Office for Human Rights at the United Nations, animated the encounter in an interactive way and introduced the reflection through a workshop on the identity and function of the Human Rights Office and the importance of a Catholic and Salesian non-governmental organization (NGO) regarding the defence of human rights (UPR, special procedures, organs, and negotiations). 

The participants had the possibility of participating in some moments of the 26th Session of the Human Rights Council and some events on themes that are important to the Association, like instruction, solidarity, and the young.

On the afternoon of Friday, 13, there was a meeting with Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See at the United Nations, and other International Organizations in Geneva.  He evidenced the necessity of being present and of working together toward common goals.  It was an opportunity for everyone to share more closely a reality that at times seems far from daily life.  For the Salesian Co-operators, it was also the occasion to reinforce and make visible their presence as committed laypersons in human promotion and the construction of a world that is more human and in solidarity.  The encounter ended on Sunday, 15 with the visit to Annecy.

Published 27/06/2014