| Switzerland – The Salesian contribution to the promotion of Human Rights |
| United States – FMA accreditation at the UNO |
The initiative which falls on the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights in fact started on 5 December 2007, and responds to the need for the Institute to have, as the letter explains “an actual place from which to animate and train in the field of Human Rights according to the social perspective of the Mission of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.” The opening this office is also intended to be a practical response to the invitation of the last General Chapter: “To defend the rights of all, especially of the young and the weak, and to appreciate the value of dialogue and the possibilities of different cultures, ethnic groups and religious confessions living together.”
In the letter sent to all the Provincials, the way the office will function is also described: “in agreement with the General Council through the Councillor for the Salesian Family; … through a series of small steps; in direct contact and linked with Catholic International Organisations (OIC) and COIC (Conference of Catholic International Organisations), with headquarters in Genera and networking with VIDES International; in dialogue with the Provinces …; with the collaboration of groups of students … of volunteers undertaking civilian service; in discussion with other Sisters and Lay people familiar with and trained in issues regarding human rights and in particular the rights of children, young people and women.”
Sr Maria Grazia Caputo, who led a Seminar during the Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family is the one responsible for the Office of Human Rights. She will have the task of organising the Office in conformity with the educational aspect of the Salesian spirit; building up a Data Base of the “best practice” of the Provinces in the field of the human rights of children, young people and women; taking part in meetings of the UNO Council for Human Rights in order to identify the best ways of making a contribution and the areas on which to focus attention; arrange for the participation of the Institute in the Council for Human Rights during the more important sessions as regards the rights of children, young people and women; suggesting ways to involve the Provinces; and, finally, building up a network of collaboration with the civil and religious institutions in Geneva.
Published 18/02/2008
