'Reconciled' IFOR newsletter, 2022 Edition

Dear IFOR community and friends,

We are delighted to send out the latest bulletin of 'Reconciled'! Please enjoy the news from around the Fellowship. This is a public edition and can be shared widely within your BGAs, membership and other friends who may be interested.

You will note that the date mark is October 2022. The final editorial process itself took a very long time, as we were dealing with some issues. We therefore decided to keep the date of October 2022. Any news from November onwards will be picked up in the next edition. Thanks for your understanding.

You can download the English PDF version of Reconciled 2022 here.

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Chère communauté et amis du MIR,

Nous sommes ravis de vous envoyer le dernier bulletin de 'Réconcilié' ! Veuillez profiter des nouvelles de la communauté. Il s'agit d'une édition publique et peut être largement partagée au sein de vos BGA, de vos membres et d'autres amis susceptibles d'être intéressés.

Vous remarquerez que la date limite est octobre 2022. Le processus éditorial final lui-même a pris beaucoup de temps, car nous traitions de certains problèmes. Nous avons donc décidé de conserver la date d'octobre 2022. Toute nouvelle à partir de novembre sera reprise dans la prochaine édition. Merci pour votre compréhension.

Vous pouvez télécharger la version PDF française de Reconciled 2022 ici.

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Estimada comunidad y amigos de IFOR,

¡Estamos encantados de enviar el último boletín de 'Reconciliados'! Por favor, disfrute de las noticias de toda la Fraternidad. Esta es una edición pública y se puede compartir ampliamente con sus BGA, miembros y otros amigos que puedan estar interesados.

Notará que la marca de fecha es octubre de 2022. El proceso editorial final en sí tomó mucho tiempo, ya que estábamos tratando con algunos problemas. Por lo tanto, decidimos mantener la fecha de octubre de 2022. Cualquier novedad a partir de noviembre se recogerá en la próxima edición. Gracias por su comprensión.

Puede descargar la versión en PDF en español de Reconciliad@s 2022 aquí.

Ukraine: Drop all charges against Vitaly Alekseenko immediately

The right to conscientious objection to military service is a human right inherent to the right to the freedom of conscience, thought and religion. It's a universal and non-derogable right.

Currently Ukraine has violated the right, suspending it and for the first known time since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has jailed an individual for refusing on grounds of conscience a military call-up.

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PRESS RELEASE:

Click here to download official release
The release is available in French here
The release is available in Italian here

Ukraine: Drop all charges against Vitaly Alekseenko immediately

18 January 2023

In Ukraine, on 16 January 2023, Ivano-Frankivsk Appeal Court rejected the appeal of 46-year-old Christian Vitaly Alekseenko against his conviction for refusing call up to the military on conscientious grounds. "I told the court I agree that I have broken the law of Ukraine," Alekseenko told Forum 18, "but I am not guilty under the law of God." When he gets the written verdict, which he expects on 19 January, the one-year imprisonment sentence will go into force and he expects to be taken to prison immediately afterwards.

The European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), War Resisters’ International (WRI), the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) and Connection e.V. (Germany) consider the conviction of conscientious objector Vitaly Alekseenko a blatant violation of his right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, guaranteed under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is non-derogable in time of public emergency, according to Article 4.2 of ICCPR.

The organisations express their full solidarity with Vitaly Alekseenko and urge the Ukrainian authorities to drop all charges against him immediately.

The organisations underline that his conviction occurs in the context that Ukraine has suspended the right of conscientious objection in the current emergency and call for the relevant decree to be immediately reversed.

The organisations also recall their strong condemnation of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, and call on the soldiers not to participate in hostilities and on all recruits to refuse military service.

The Ukrainian government should safeguard the right to conscientious objection to military service, including in wartime, fully complying with the European and international standards, amongst others the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights. Ukraine is member of the Council of Europe and needs to continue to respect the European Convention of Human Rights. As now Ukraine becomes candidate to join the European Union, it will need to respect the Human Rights as defined in the EU Treaty, and the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, which include the right of conscientious objection to military service.

More info: Forum 18

Photo: Vitaly Alekseenko, Copyright: Vitaly Alekseenko

#ObjectWarCampaign: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine: Protection and asylum for deserters and conscientious objectors to military service

Contact persons:

Alexia Tsouni, European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), ebco@ebco-beoc.org, www.ebco-beoc.org (English, Greek)

Semih Sapmaz, War Resisters’ International (WRI), semih@wri-irg.org, www.wri-irg.org (English, Turkish)

Zaira Zafarana, International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), zaira.zafarana@ifor.org, www.ifor.org (English, Italian)

Rudi Friedrich, Connection e.V., office@Connection-eV.org, www.Connection-eV.org (English, German)

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The European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO) was founded in Brussels in 1979 as an umbrella structure for national associations of conscientious objectors in the European countries to promote the right to conscientious objection to preparations for, and participation in, war and any other type of military activity as a fundamental human right. EBCO enjoys participatory status with the Council of Europe since 1998 and is a member of its Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations since 2005. EBCO is entitled to lodge collective complaints concerning the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe since 2021. EBCO provides expertise and legal opinions on behalf of the Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs of the Council of Europe. EBCO is involved in drawing up the annual report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament on the application by the Member States of its resolutions on conscientious objection and civilian service, as determined in the “Bandrés Molet & Bindi Resolution” of 1994. EBCO is a full member of the European Youth Forum since 1995.

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War Resisters' International (WRI) was founded in London in 1921 as a global network of grassroots organisations, groups and individuals working together for a world without war. WRI remains committed to its founding declaration that 'War is a crime against humanity. I am therefore determined not to support any kind of war, and to strive for the removal of all causes of war'. Today WRI is a global pacifist and antimilitarist network with over 90 affiliated groups in 40 countries. WRI facilitates mutual support, by linking people together through publications, events and actions, initiating nonviolent campaigns that actively involve local groups and individuals, supporting those who oppose war and who challenge its causes, and promoting and educating people about pacifism and nonviolence. WRI runs three programmes of work that are important to the network: The Right to Refuse to Kill Programme, the Nonviolence Programme, and Countering the Militarisation of Youth.

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) was founded in 1914 in response to the horrors of war in Europe, and has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history. Today IFOR has branches, groups, and affiliates in over 40 countries on all continents, while the International Secretariat is located in the Netherlands. IFOR’s membership includes adherents of all the major spiritual traditions as well as those who have other spiritual sources for their commitment to nonviolence. IFOR has observer and consultative status to the United Nations ECOSOC and UNESCO organizations. IFOR maintains permanent representatives in Geneva, New York and Vienna and at the UNESCO in Paris who regularly participate in conferences and meetings of UN bodies, providing testimony and expertise from different regional perspectives, promoting non-violent alternatives in the fields of human rights, development, and disarmament.

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Connection e.V. was founded in 1993 as an association advocating a comprehensive right to conscientious objection at an international level. The organisation is based in Offenbach, Germany, and collaborates with groups opposing war, conscription and the military in Europe and beyond, extending to Turkey, Israel, the U.S., Latin America and Africa. Connection e.V. demands that conscientious objectors from war regions should get asylum, and offers counseling and information to refugees and support for their self-organization.

IFOR Juba Council: statement on Colonialism and Africa

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation gathered in Juba, South Sudan, for its quadrennial Council on November 14-20, 2022.
At the conclusion of the working sessions, on Sunday 20th, IFOR held a symbolic ceremony on "Colonialism" which was accompanied by a public statement.

SYMBOLIC CEREMONY

Inside the African bowl there was a yellow shirt and a key.
Yellow is a color for optimism and hope. It also represents new beginnings, all of which are essential for any successful story of reconciliation and forgiveness.
The key represents the closing of the past and the opening of the future.
The woman that received the tokens represented the power of motherhood in pioneering peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in hostile environments.
The passing of those tokens to her children and their reception signified the transmission and acceptance of the message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation and the will to take the bold step into new beginnings.

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IFOR STATEMENT on COLONIALISM and AFRICA

Juba Council, 20 November 2022

Founded in response to the horrors of war in Europe, the International Fellowship Of Reconciliation has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history. IFOR members share a vision of a world where conflicts are resolved through nonviolent means, where systems that foster fear and hatred are dismantled, and where justice is sought as a basis for peace

Perceiving the need for healing and reconciliation in the world, the founders of IFOR formulated a vision of the human community based upon the belief that love in action has the power to transform unjust political, social, and economic structures

Having been established in 1914 and now with 71 branches, groups and affiliates in 48 countries on all continents, IFOR exists across spiritual and geographical boundaries. We therefore share the shame and the sinfulness of our European predecessors over the brutal colonization of Africa and all the evils that followed. And we offer our sincere, heartfelt and prayerful acknowledgment of these failures which are part of us, not just of some distant ‘them’.

We stand today on African soil here in Juba, South Sudan as peacemakers, seeking forgiveness and extending a hand of reconciliation. We seek to deepen our learning and response to the depths of colonialism, neocolonialism and all the violent effects brought about by these imperial systems. We are aware that for many on all sides, it can be difficult to look at these effects, to listen carefully to one another, and to empower those most affected to speak up. It is not easy to hold onto the depths of cruelty which the ideologies of racism and white supremacy have marked our cultures, divided our communities, and caused war and genocide. Yet as we feel the embrace of our hosts from the youngest country on the planet, the ideal of reconciliation feels more tangible and possible to us than ever before.

Our coming to Africa today, for the first time as a Council on this continent, is a major historic symbolic step of our acknowledgment and commitment to the rebuilding of healthy cooperative relationships between our sisters and brothers from Africa and the rest of our International. Our choice to hold the Council on African soil, and our actual arrival on this hospitable land, is no accident. No true internationalism can be built without the inclusion of all peoples of our rainbow earth.

Remembering and acknowledging the errors of the past also means a social call to name the injustice and to ensure that it is not repeated. Memories therefore shine lights on injustices, making them actionable. Our desire for reconciliation must not skip the task of social reparation and obscures the continuities of racism and white supremacy.

We are fully cognizant that this is just a step, perhaps a small initial step, but a right step into the journey of full trust, respect and mutual co-existence between the West, the East, and the African continent. This symbolic stage of action should inspire IFOR to develop a consensual program for future action, to translate our common will and commitment here into concrete future collaborations. In the context of the sins of our forefathers, and the hopes and dreams of all of us today as envisioned in our meetings and decisions made here, we believe these steps taken together will build a better fellowship both within our organization and in the communities we touch.

Click here to download it.

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DÉCLARATION DE L'IFOR SUR LE COLONIALISME ET L'AFRIQUE

Conseil de Juba, 20 novembre 2022

Fondée en réponse aux horreurs de la guerre en Europe, le Mouvement international du la Réconciliation - MIR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation – IFOR) a adopté une position constante contre la guerre et sa préparation tout au long de son histoire.  Les membres de l'IFOR partagent une vision d'un monde où les conflits sont résolus par des moyens non violents, où les systèmes qui favorisent la peur et la haine sont démantelés et où la justice est recherchée comme base de la paix.

Percevant le besoin de guérison et de réconciliation dans le monde, les fondateurs de l'IFOR ont formulé une vision de la communauté humaine basée sur la conviction que l'amour en action a le pouvoir de transformer les structures politiques, sociales et économiques injustes.

Créé en 1914 et maintenant avec 71 branches, groupes et affiliés dans 48 pays sur tous les continents, le MIR existe au-delà des frontières spirituelles et géographiques.  Nous partageons donc la honte et le péché de nos prédécesseurs européens face à la colonisation brutale de l'Afrique et à tous les maux qui ont suivi.  Et nous offrons notre reconnaissance sincère, sincère et priante de ces échecs qui font partie de nous, pas seulement de quelques « eux » lointains.

Nous nous tenons aujourd'hui sur le sol africain ici à Juba, au Soudan du Sud, en tant qu'artisans de la paix, cherchant le pardon et tendant la main de la réconciliation.  Nous cherchons à approfondir notre apprentissage et notre réponse aux profondeurs du colonialisme, du néocolonialisme et de tous les effets violents provoqués par ces systèmes impériaux.  Nous sommes conscients que pour beaucoup de tous bords, il peut être difficile d'examiner ces effets, de s'écouter attentivement les uns les autres et de donner aux personnes les plus touchées les moyens de s'exprimer.  Il n'est pas facile de s'accrocher aux profondeurs de la cruauté que les idéologies du racisme et de la suprématie blanche ont marquées dans nos cultures, divisé nos communautés et provoqué guerres et génocides.  Pourtant, alors que nous sentons l'étreinte de nos hôtes du plus jeune pays de la planète, l'idéal de réconciliation nous semble plus tangible et possible que jamais auparavant.

Notre venue en Afrique aujourd'hui, pour la première fois en tant que Conseil sur ce continent, est une étape symbolique historique majeure de notre reconnaissance et de notre engagement à reconstruire de saines relations de coopération entre nos sœurs et frères d'Afrique et le reste de notre Internationale.  Notre choix de tenir le Conseil sur le sol africain, et notre arrivée effective sur cette terre hospitalière, n'est pas un hasard.  Aucun véritable internationalisme ne peut être construit sans l'inclusion de tous les peuples de notre terre arc-en-ciel.

Se souvenir et reconnaître les erreurs du passé signifie aussi un appel social à nommer l'injustice et à veiller à ce qu'elle ne se reproduise pas.  Les souvenirs mettent donc en lumière les injustices, les rendant exploitables.  Notre désir de réconciliation ne doit pas faire l'impasse sur la tâche de réparation sociale et occulter les continuités du racisme et de la suprématie blanche.

Nous sommes pleinement conscients qu'il ne s'agit que d'une étape, peut-être une petite étape initiale, mais une bonne étape dans le voyage de pleine confiance, de respect et de coexistence mutuelle entre l'Occident, l'Orient et le continent africain.  Cette étape symbolique de l'action devrait inspirer le MIR à développer un programme consensuel d'action future, pour traduire notre volonté et notre engagement communs ici en collaborations futures concrètes.  Dans le contexte des péchés de nos ancêtres, et des espoirs et des rêves de nous tous aujourd'hui, tels qu'ils sont envisagés dans nos réunions et décisions prises ici, nous croyons que ces mesures prises ensemble construiront une meilleure fraternité à la fois au sein de notre organisation et dans les communautés que nous toucher.

Cliquez ici pour télécharger.

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DECLARACIÓN DEL MIR sobre el COLONIALISMO y ÁFRICA
Consejo de Yuba 20 de noviembre de 2022

Fundad o como respuesta a los horror e s de la g uerra en Europa, el Movimiento Internacional de Reconcilia-ción (MIR IFOR) mantiene a lo largo de su historia una postura consistente contra la guerra y su preparacióna. Las y los integrantes del MIR comparten la visión de un mucho en dónde los conflictos sean res ueltos a través de medios noviolentos, dónde se desmantelen los sistemas que fomentan el miedo y odio, y dónde se busque la justicia como base para la paz.

Percibiendo la necesidad de la sanación y reconciliaci ón en el mundo, los fundadores del MIR formu laron una visión de la comunidad humana, basada en la creencia que el amor en acción conlleva el poder de transformar las estructuras políticas, sociales y económicas injustas.

Establecido en el 1914, y ahora con 71 ramas, grupos y afiliados en 48 países e n todos los continentes, el MIR transciende las fronteras espirituales y geográficas. Compartimos así la sensación de vergüenza y la pecaminosidad de nuestros antecesores europeos con respecto a la colonización brutal de África y todos los males posteriores a los que ésta dio lugar. Y ofrecemos nuestro reconocimiento sincero, de corazón, y devoto de estos fracasos, que hacen parte de nosotros, en vez de pertenecer a un ‘ellos’ distante.

Nos encontramos hoy en suelo africano en Yuba, Sud án del Sur, como artesanas y artesanos de la paz, en búsqueda del perdón y con la mano de reconciliación extendida. Queremos profundizar nuestro aprendizaje y nuestra respuesta ante las profundidades del colonialismo, el neocolonialismo, y todos l os efectos violentos que acarrean estos sistemas imperiales. Somos conscientes de que, para muchos en todos los lados, resulta una tarea difícil mirar dichos efectos, escucharnos con cuidado los un os a los otros, y empoderar a la s personas más afectad a s, p ara que alcen la voz. No es fácil quedarse con las profundidades de crueldad que las ideologías del racismo y la supremacía blanca que han m arcado nuestras culturas, y provocado la guerra y el genocidio. No obstante, sintiendo el abrazo de nuestros anfitri ones d e este país el más joven del planeta la ideal de la reconciliación nos parece más tangible y posible que nunca jamás.

Nuestra venid a a África en estos días, por primera vez como Consejo en este continente, es un paso simbólico histórico significativo de nuestro reconocimiento y compromiso con la reconstrucción de relaciones sanas y cooperativas entre nuestros hermanos y hermanas de África, y el resto de nuestro Internacional. Nuestra decisión de convocar el Consejo en suelo africano, y n uestra llegada real en esta tierra acogedora, no es accidental. No es posible construir ningún internacionalismo verdadero sin la inclusión de todos los puebl os de nuestra tierra arcoíris.

Recordar y reconocer los errores del pasado, tambi én suponen un lla mado social a nombrar la injusticia y garantizar que nunca se repita. Por lo tanto, los recuerdos echan luces sobre las injusticias, volviéndolas objetos de acción. Nuestro deseo de reconciliación no puede pasar por alto la tarea de la reparación social, ni oscurecer la continu ación del racismo y la supremacía blanca.

Somos plenamente conscientes de que éste es un paso, tal vez s ólo un pequeño, primer paso; no obstante un paso correcto hacia el camino d e la confianza, el respeto, y la coexistencia mutua e ntre Occidente, Oriente y el continente africano. Esta fase simbólica de acción debe inspirar al MIR que desarrolle un programa consensuada de acción futura, para convertir nuestro deseo y compromiso comunes aquí en colaboraciones fu-turas concretas. En el contexto de los pecados de nuestros progenitores, y de las esperanzas y los sueños de todas y todos nosotros hoy, según nos imaginábamos en nuestras reun iones y decisiones aquí tomadas , creemos que estos pasos, tomados juntos, construirán una mayor fellows hip (fraternidad), tanto dentro de nuestra organización como en las comunidades que tocamos.

Haga clic aquí para descargarlo.

IFOR QUADRENNIAL COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF IFOR

HELD IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, NOVEMBER 14-20, 2022

The quadrennial International Council of the International Fellowship for Reconciliation (IFOR) was held at the Guest House of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), in Juba, from November 14 to 20, 2022, alongside a Public Conference.

The International Council was preceded by a Public conference held from November 12 to 13, 2022, under the theme: "Armed Conflicts and Peaceful Transitions in Africa: Lessons from Southern Sudan and around the World". This event was attended by political, administrative and religious authorities, activists from civil society organizations in South Sudan and international organizations, and the general public. This conference pointed the fact that the African continent is today the most affected by recurrent armed conflicts with consequences that may delay the development of that part of the world. Nevertheless, amidst the ashes of violence, suffering and tears that have no colour or borders, there are more and more signs of hope for another version of Africa, "… free, prosperous and integrated into the international community, where conflicts are transformed in a non-violent manner, and where justice, social har- mony and peace reign".

As a prelude to the International Council, on the morning of November 14th, IFOR members in Africa held their first Inter-African Meeting.

The International Council (IFOR's supreme body) that followed was historic: for the first time in IFOR's more than 100 years of existence, it was held in Africa. In a hybrid format, its 60 delegates evaluated the progress made from 2018 to 2022 by its members and bodies, and appreciated the work accomplished, especially under often difficult conditions in Africa and South America. They expressed great concerns about our current context characterised by major crises and armed conflicts such as in the Great Lakes countries and the Sahel in Africa, Ukraine, etc. Faced with the many challenges of injustice and violence that threaten cohesion and peace in our world, although sometimes implemented by humble initiatives, it remains that nonviolence is the most credible way to defend the sacred gift of life, safeguard peace, promote human dignity, and protect the environment again climate change. Conscious of the common destiny of human beings, IFOR therefore reaffirms its commitment to pursue with greater determination, in solidarity with other actors, its mission in the service of reconciliation, justice and peace through nonviolence.

The Council therefore set up Working Groups, adopted resolutions and recommendations, including the imple- mentation of a Strategic Action Plan in Africa for the years 2022 to 2027 entitled "Promoting Non-Violence, Recon- ciliation, Democracy and Peace in Africa", measures within the framework of the "Common Security Initiative 2022 and those on the right to conscientious objection to military service, as well as reflection on the future vision of IFOR, etc.

It also nominated a new International Committee (Board) to work for the next four years. President: Zoughbi- Zoughbi (Wi’am Palestine); Co-Vice-Presidents: Jean Pierre Massamba (MIR Congo) and Christian Renoux (MIR France); Treasurer: Christiane Lohse (FOR Germany); Members: Ariel Gold and Susan Smith (FOR USA -sharing seat-), Ruhi Das (BASTOB Bangladesh), Blas Garcia (SERPAJ Latin America).

It also appointed regional representatives to the Representatives Advisory Committee.

The participants gave thanks to God who is above all powers for so the many seeds of hope sown on African soil such as in South Sudan, a country undergoing political transition. They expressed their sincere thanks to the Government of the country, and its President Dr Salva Kiir, for all the facilities provided, to the Primate of the Province of the Epis- copal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) and the Metropolitan Bishop of the Diocese of Juba, the Reverend Dr. Justin Badi Arama, and to the leaders of the other religious communities and their faithful for their participation and support.

Juba, November 20th 2022

Click here to download the original press release.

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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

CONSEJO INTERNACIONAL DE IFOR

EN JUBA, SUDÁN DEL SUR, DEL 14 AL 20 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2022

El Consejo Internacional cuatrienal del Movimiento Internacional de la Reconciliación – MIR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR) se celebró en la Casa de Huéspedes de la Iglesia Episcopal de Sudán del Sur (ECSS), en Juba, del 14 al 20 de noviembre de 2022, junto con una Conferencia Pública.

El Consejo Internacional fue precedido por una Conferencia Pública celebrada del 12 al 13 de noviembre de 2022, bajo el tema: "Conflictos armados y transiciones pacíficas en África: lecciones de Sudán del Sur y de todo el mundo". Asistieron autoridades políticas, administrativas y religiosas, actores de organizaciones de la sociedad civil de Sudán del Sur e internacionales, y el público en general. Señaló que hoy en día el continente africano es el más afectado por los conflictos armados recurrentes, cuyas consecuencias probablemente retrasarán el desarrollo de esta parte del mundo durante mucho tiempo. Sin embargo, entre las cenizas de esta violencia, el sufrimiento y las lágrimas que no tienen color ni fronteras, hay cada vez más signos de esperanza para otra África "... libre, próspera e integrada en la comunidad internacional, donde los conflictos se transformen sin violencia y donde reinen la justicia, la armonía social y la paz".

Como preludio del Consejo Internacional, el 14 de noviembre por la mañana los miembros de IFOR en África cele- braron su primera Reunión Inter africana.

El Consejo Internacional (órgano supremo de IFOR) fue histórico: ¡era la primera vez en más de 100 años de exis- tencia de IFOR que se celebraba en África! En un formato híbrido, sus 60 delegados evaluaron los progresos realizados de 2018 a 2022 por sus miembros y organismos, y apreciaron el trabajo realizado, especialmente en condiciones a menudo difíciles en África y Sudamérica.

Expresaron su gran preocupación por el actual contexto marcado por grandes crisis y conflictos armados, por ejemplo, en los países de los Grandes Lagos y en el Sahel en África, en Ucrania, etc. Frente a los numerosos desafíos de la injusticia y la violencia que amenazan la cohesión y la paz en nuestro mundo, sigue siendo la no-violencia, aunque a veces se ponga en práctica a través de humildes iniciativas, la forma más creíble de defender el don sagrado de la vida, de salvaguardar la paz, de promover la dignidad humana, de proteger el medio ambiente contra el cambio climático. Consciente del destino común de los pueblos, el IFOR reafirma por tanto su compromiso de proseguir con mayor determinación, en solidaridad con otros actores, su misión al servicio de la reconciliación, la justicia y la paz a través de la no-violencia.

A continuación, el Consejo creó grupos de trabajo, adoptó resoluciones y recomendaciones, entre las que destacan la puesta en marcha de un Plan de Acción Estratégico en África para los años 2022 a 2027 titulado "Promover la no- violencia, la reconciliación, la democracia y la paz en África", medidas en el marco de la "Iniciativa de Seguridad Común 2022" y las relativas a el derecho a la objeción de conciencia al servicio militar, así como la reflexión sobre la visión de futuro del IFOR, etc.

Nombró un nuevo Comité Internacional (Consejo de Administración) para los próximos cuatro años. Presidente: Zoughbi-Zoughbi (Wi’am Palestina), Copresidentes: Jean Pierre Massamba (MIR Congo) y Christian Renoux (MIR Francia), Tesorera: Christiane Lohse (IFOR Alemania), Miembros: Ariel Gold y Susan Smith (IFOR E.U. -compar- tiendo asiento-), Ruhi Das (BASTOB Bangladesh), Blas García (SERPAJ América Latina). También seleccionó a los representantes regionales para el Comité Consultivo de Representantes.

Los participantes dieron gracias a Dios, que está por encima de todos los poderes, por tantas semillas de esperanza sembradas en la tierra de África desde Sudán del Sur, que está en transición política. Expresaron su sincero agradeci- miento al Gobierno de Sudán del Sur, y su presidente Dr. Salva Kiir, por todas las facilidades proporcionadas, así como su gratitud al Primado de la Provincia de la Iglesia Episcopal de Sudán del Sur (ECSS) y Obispo Metropolitano de la Diócesis de Juba, el Reverendo Dr. Justin Badi Arama, a los líderes de las demás comunidades religiosas y a sus fieles, por su participación y apoyo.

Juba, 20 de noviembre de 2022

Haga clic aquí para descargar el comunicado de prensa original

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COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE

CONSEIL INTERNATIONAL DE L’IFOR

TENU A JUBA (SUD-SOUDAN), DU 14 AU 20 NOVEMBRE 2022

Le Conseil International quadriennal du Mouvement International de la Réconciliation - MIR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR) s’est déroulé au Guest House de l’Eglise Episcopale du Sud Soudan (ECSS), à Juba, du 14 au 20 novembre 2022, doublé d’une Conférence publique.

Le Conseil International a été précédé d’une Conférence publique tenue du 12 au 13 novembre 2022, sous le thème :

« les conflits armés et les transitions pacifiques en Afrique : les leçons à tirer du cas du Sud-Soudan et dans le monde entier ». Celle-ci a connu la participation des autorités politiques, administratives, religieuses, des acteurs des organisations de la société civile du Sud Soudan et internationales, et le grand public. Elle a relevé qu’aujourd’hui le continent africain est celui qui est le plus traversé par des conflits armés récurrents dont les conséquences risquent encore longtemps de retarder le développement de cette partie du monde. Néanmoins, au milieu des cendres de ces violences, souffrances et larmes qui n’ont pas de couleur ni de frontière, il y a de plus en plus des signes d’espérance pour une autre Afrique « … libre, prospère et intégrée dans la communauté internationale, où les conflits sont transformés de manière non-violente, et où règnent la justice, l’harmonie sociale et la paix ».

Prélude au Conseil International, dans la matinée du 14 novembre, les membres IFOR en Afrique ont tenu leur première

Rencontre Inter-Africaine.

Le Conseil international (organe suprême de l’IFOR) qui a suivi a été historique : c’est pour la première fois en plus de 100 ans d’existence d’IFOR, qu’il se tienne en Afrique ! Sous forme hybride, ses 60 délégués ont fait l’évaluation du chemin parcouru de 2018 à 2022 par ses membres et ses organes, et apprécié le travail accompli notamment dans des conditions souvent difficiles en Afrique et en Amérique du Sud. Ils ont exprimé leur grande inquiétude en raison du contexte actuel marqué par des grandes crises et conflits armés, par exemple dans les Pays des Grands Lacs et au Sahel en Afrique, la guerre en Ukraine, etc. Face aux nombreux défis de l’injustice et de la violence qui menacent la cohésion et la paix dans notre monde, il demeure que la non-violence, quoique parfois mise en œuvre par des humbles initiatives, est le moyen le plus crédible pour défendre le don sacré de la vie, sauvegarder la paix, promouvoir la dignité humaine, protéger l’environnement contre le changement climatique. Conscients de la communauté de destin des peuples, l’IFOR réaffirme en conséquence son engagement à poursuivre avec plus de détermination, en solidarité avec d’autres acteurs, sa mission au service de la réconciliation, de la justice et de la paix par la non-violence.

Le Conseil a alors mis en place des Groupes de travail, adopté des résolutions, recommandations, parmi lesquelles la mise en œuvre d’un Plan d’action stratégique en Afrique pour les années 2022 à 2027 intitulé « promouvoir la non- violence, la réconciliation, la démocratie et la paix en Afrique », des mesures dans le cadre de l’« Initiative de Sécurité Commune 2022 », et celles sur le droit à l’objection de conscience au service militaire, ainsi que sur la réflexion de la vision future de IFOR, etc.

Il a nommé pour les quatre années à venir, un nouveau Comité International (Conseil d’administration). Président : Zoughbi-Zoughbi (Wi’am Palestine), Co-Vice-Presidents : Jean Pierre Massamba (MIR Congo) et Christian Renoux (MIR France), Trésorière : Christiane Lohse (FOR Allemagne), Membres : Ariel Gold et Susan Smith (FOR USA - siège partagé-), Ruhi Das (BASTOB Bengladesh), Blas Garcia (SERPAJ Amérique Latine). Il a aussi choisi des repré- sentants régionaux au Comité Consultatif des Représentants.

Les participants ont rendu grâce à Dieu qui est au-dessus de toutes puissances pour tant de germes d’espérance semées en terre d’Afrique à partir du Sud Soudan qui est en transition politique. Ils ont exprimé leurs sincères remerciements au Gouvernement de ce pays et à son President, le Docteur Salva Kiir, pour toutes les facilitations accordées, ainsi que leur gratitude au Primat de la Province de l’Eglise Episcopale du Sud Soudan (ECSS) et Evêque Métropolitain du Diocèse de Juba, le Révérend Docteur Justin Badi Arama, aux leaders des autres communautés religieuses et leurs fidèles, pour leur participation et soutien.

Juba, le 20 novembre 2022

Cliquez ici pour télécharger le communiqué de presse original

IFOR PUBLIC CONFERENCE IN JUBA: "Armed Conflicts and Peaceful Transition in Africa: Lessons learned from South Sudan and around the world"

Ahead of its quadrennial 2022 Council which will start on November 14th in Juba, South Sudan, and will last a week, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation organizes an International event focussing on peace efforts in the Africa continent.

PRESS RELEASE

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IFOR PUBLIC EVENT IN JUBA!

From the four corners of the world, artisans of non-violence, reconciliation and peace are meeting in the African city of Juba, South Sudan.

On Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November 2022, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) -a spiritual based peace movement founded in 1914- will host a public Conference at the All Saints Cathedral Compound located in the heart of downtown Juba.

The Conference is open to the general public; women, men and young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures will reflect and share on the theme: "Armed Conflict and Peaceful Transition in Africa: Lessons from South Sudan and around the world".

On the 11th it is planned a plenary session starting at 15:00. On the 12th there will be several thematic sessions starting at 9:30 till 17:30.

The Conference will be in English, with translations in French and Spanish.

Wherever you are, individually or collectively, we invite you to join this public event, which will be both in person and streamed live on IFOR YouTube channel.

You can find the detailed program on IFOR website.

IFOR welcomes you and we will walk together on the paths of peace reconstruction in Africa and in the world.

Juba, November 10th 2022

Contact info: office@ifor.org 

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE

EVENEMENT PUBLIC DU MIR A JUBA!

Venant des quatre coins du monde, des artisan (e)s de la non-violence, de la réconciliation et de la paix se rencontrent en terre d’Afrique de la ville de Juba, au Sud Soudan.

Le vendredi 11 et le samedi 12 novembre 2022, le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (MIR/IFOR) - un mouvement à base spirituelle pour la paix fondé en 1914 - organisera une Conférence publique dans le bâtiment de All Saints Cathédral situé au cœur du centre-ville de Juba.

Le Conférence est ouverte au large public ; femmes, hommes, jeunes d’origines et de cultures diverses, vont réfléchir et partager autour du thème : « Les conflits armés et la transition pacifique en Afrique : les leçons tirées  du cas du Sud-Soudan » .

Le 11, une session plénière est prévue à partir de 15h00. Le 12, il y aura plusieurs sessions thématiques de 9h30 à 17h30.

Le Conférence sera en anglais, avec des traductions en français et en espagnol.

Quel que soit le pays où vous vous trouvez, individuellement ou collectivement, nous vous invitons à vous joindre à cet Evénement public qui sera en présentiel et diffusée en direct sur la chaîne YouTube de l'IFOR.

Vous pouvez trouver le programme détaillé sur le site web d'IFOR.

Le MIR vous souhaite la bienvenue et nous allons marcher ensemble sur les chemins de la reconstruction de la paix en Afrique et dans le monde.

Juba, 10 novembre 2022

 Coordonnées: office@ifor.org

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Click here to download the original press release.

Click here to download the complete program of IFOR international Conference.

You are all welcome to attend and/or watch the Conference on IFOR Youtube channel

You are welcome to share on social media as well.

IFOR meets with Peace Comunity reps in Geneva / IFOR rencontre les représentants de la Communauté de Paix à Genève / IFOR recibe a los representantes de la Comunidad de la Paz en Ginebra

#nonviolence #HumanRights #PeaceCommunity

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR had the privilege to welcome to its office in Geneva on Monday October 10th -at the Ecumenical Center- two representatives of the Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.

The Peace Community is a great 25 yrs outstanding practice of nonviolent resistance in a highly violent context.

Accompanied by the former director of Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, IFOR's guests presented the ongoing concerning situation that the Peace Community faces on a daily basis in #Colombia.

The meeting has been an opportunity for further planning on solidarity actions in continuity with IFOR supporting initiatives.

IFOR has also shared this visiting opportunity with other partner organizations in Geneva such as Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

IFOR's Main Representative, Zaira Zafarana, with the visiting guests of the CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra and Roviro Lopez Rivera and RIDHI Ramon Munoz in IFOR office.

Ecumenical Center in Geneva, headquarter of World Council of Churches, where the IFOR office is located in Geneva

IFOR's guests together with the Main representative of Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII at the UN.

You are welcome to share on social media.

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#non-violence #droits de l'homme #communauté de paix
Le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation - MIR a eu le privilège d'accueillir dans ses bureaux à Genève le lundi 10 octobre - au Centre Oecuménique - deux représentants de la Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.
Accompagnés de l'ancien directeur de Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, les invités d'IFOR ont présenté la situation préoccupante à laquelle la Communauté de Paix doit faire face quotidiennement en Colombie.
La réunion a été l'occasion de planifier des actions de solidarité dans la continuité des initiatives soutenues par IFOR.
L'IFOR a également partagé cette opportunité de visite avec d'autres organisations partenaires à Genève, comme l'Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

Zaira Zafarana, représentante principale d'IFOR, avec les invités du CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra et Roviro Lopez Rivera et RIDHI Ramon Munoz dans les bureaux d'IFOR.

Centre oecuménique de Genève, siège du Conseil oecuménique des Eglises, où se trouve le bureau d'IFOR à Genève.

Les invités d'IFOR avec le représentant principal de l'Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII à l'ONU.

https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFellowshipofReconciliation

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#noviolencia #DerechosHumanos #ComunidadDePaz
International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR tuvo el privilegio de recibir en su oficina de Ginebra el lunes 10 de octubre -en el Centro Ecuménico- a dos representantes de la Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.
La Comunidad de Paz es una gran práctica de 25 años de resistencia no violenta en un contexto altamente violento.
Acompañados por el ex director de la Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, los invitados de IFOR expusieron la preocupante situación que la Comunidad de Paz enfrenta cada día en #Colombia.
El encuentro ha sido una oportunidad para seguir planificando acciones de solidaridad en continuidad con las iniciativas de apoyo de IFOR.
IFOR también ha compartido esta oportunidad de visita con otras organizaciones asociadas en Ginebra como la Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

La Representante Principal de IFOR, Zaira Zafarana, con los invitados de la CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra y Roviro Lopez Rivera y RIDHI Ramon Munoz en la oficina de IFOR.

Centro Ecuménico de Ginebra, sede del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias, donde se encuentra la oficina de IFOR en Ginebra

Los invitados de IFOR junto con el representante principal de la Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII en la ONU.

Puedes compartirlo en las redes sociales.

IFOR briefs the UN Human Rights Committee on the right to conscientious objection in Russia.

On October 17th the International Fellowship of Reconciliation participated in the formal briefing at the 136th session of the UN Human Rights Committee.

During the ongoing session, after two postponements, the members of the Committee will review the Russian Federation and formulate Concluding Observations.

Members of the Civil Society have been invited to submit reports in advance and to participate in briefing meetings with the Committee to provide useful information.

IFOR took advantage of the 4 minutes speaking opportunity to report on illegal recruitment, cruel treatment of refusers to combat operations in Ukraine, human rights violations of those protesting against the war and other related issues.

Read the complete text of IFOR's statement here, with in-depth notes.

IFOR speaks at the UN on conscientious objection violations and peacebuilding efforts in Ukraine

During the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Director of Division of the OHCHR gave an oral update on the current situation in Ukraine during the interactive dialogue under item 10.

International Fellowship of Reconciliation participated in the dialogue in the plenary and addressed the violation of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Ukraine, freedom of movement and the alarming forced conscription in the occupied territory and the recent partial mobilization announced in the Russian federation.

IFOR Main representative to the UN, Zaira Zafarana, delivering the statement during the 51st session of the UN HUman Rights Council.

In its statement, IFOR has also expressed its solidarity to the victims and its support to all war resisters -calling for asylum for conscientious objectors who refuse to engage in the war at their personal risk and those who pursue nonviolent means to peace-building. The speech mentioned civil society peace initiatives to support local nonviolent action such as the Stop The War Now launched by Associazione Papa Giovanni XXIII together with many other Italian NGOs, including MIR Italy - Italian branch of IFOR.

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Human Rights Council, 51st Session 

4th October 2022 

ID Item 4: Oral update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President,  

International Fellowship of Reconciliation thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for the oral update. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are suffering for the ongoing war which is causing tragedies and violations and an inhumane nuclear threat. 

We stand in solidarity with those who courageously refuse to kill and call on the international community to ensure full legal guarantees of their human right to conscientious objection and to provide them protection and asylum1. The right to conscientious objection to military service should be absolutely protected and cannot be restricted, as highlighted in the last OHCHR quadrennial thematic report [presented at the last session].

We are alarmed by the current suspension of the right to conscientious objection in Ukraine, the consequent detention sentences and the travel ban for all men aged 18-60. We have been informed of repression of students protests against the prohibition to study abroad. 

IFOR is also deeply concerned by the forced mobilization in Ukrainian occupied territories and by the new mobilization measures issued by the Russian Federation, which include imprisonment for those who refuse to enlist.  

IFOR gives voice to all those who are non-violently resisting war and acknowledge the efforts of the many who support reconciliation and peace building efforts. For instance, Stop The War Now has just concluded its 4th peace caravan to Ukraine, bringing in humanitarian aid and also support to ongoing local civil society peace initiatives. 

UN Member States should urgently pursue the way to peace negotiations and facilitate such a path, which is within the United Nations purposes. 

Thank you. 

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Click here to watch IFOR main representative to deliver the statement at the UN Human Rights Council.

Click here to read the full statement.

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International peace initiative to support nonviolent action in Ukraine

#STOPTHEWARNOW is a network of over 175 Italian organizations committed to peace building and international solidarity through non-violent peace and humanitarian actions. The network was created to launch a message of solidarity and opposition to the conflict in Ukraine and to build together an alternative to the madness of war. It is coordinated by a steering committee made up of the Pope John XXIII Community, Pro Civitate Christiana and the national networks Focsiv, Aoi, the Italian Peace and Disarmament Network, Libera against mafias, representing all the member associations. At the moment #STOPTHEWARNOW is in Ukraine with two permanent presences, one in Lviv and one in Odessa.
Between 1 and 3 April #STOPTHEWARNOW organized the 1st Peace Caravan, which set off from Italy with representatives of non-violent and pacifist civil society, to witness, through its presence in Lviv, Ukraine, the will to build a dialogue of peace through non-violent actions.
The 4th Peace Caravan was aimed to:
- Laying the foundations for partnership agreements between Italian members of the campaign #StopTheWarNow and Ukrainian civil society organizations (including trade unions) committed to Peace building, conscientious objection and non-violent resistance; possible youth exchanges with universities and Youth Centers;
- Relaunching the campaign of solidarity with conscientious objectors under investigation/protest by the General Prosecutor's Office in Ukraine, such as the journalist Ruslan Kotsaba, accused of high treason for spreading calls to boycott the war.

Learn more about Stop the war now.

-section under update-

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 19th -23th 2022

IFOR's 3rd edition of its "Introduction to the UN" program took place on September 19-23 2022.

This year's program was titled "Strengthening civil society engagement within the UN system" and was funded by Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy.

Nine participants from Benin, Colombia, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Tibet and USA the opportunity to learn more about the UN system and the precise work IFOR does with particular regard to conscientious objection to military service and other issues such as human rights education, environmental rights, disarmament, decolonization and to meet with partner organizations and human rights defenders. 

Participants attended the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, informal negotiations, side events and thematic workshops on Western Sahara, Tibet . . . and found out more about UN procedures and civil society space. 

During the week, IFOR’s guests had the chance to visit the Geneva UN headquarters and attend the special event of the Geneva Peace Talks on September 21st where they had the opportunity to listen to human rights defenders and activists from around the globe.

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READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

“The programme enriched my knowledge and experience hugely. We were introduced to many different aspects of the UN and civil society representations. The programme exceeded my expectations and we look forward to working with IFOR and the relevant diplomats at the UN.” -Uuganaa 

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the seminar and to be part of an organization advocating for the right to refuse to kill, and the right of conscientious objection to war. We must build a global movement that is committed to collective liberation.” -Chrissy

“Though I have been to Gener and participated several timers in UN organized programs, I never had the opportunity to see how, debates, lobying and side events are organized, I feel priveledged thiis year through IFOR and the able leadership of Zaira Zafarana who guided us through ther process, It is a worthwhile experience, and I look forward to more of such. Thank you for this opportunity.” -Domino

“IFOR can give us exposure and capacity enhance and pick the Hunan rights issues to the UN for better chnage of Community” -Sirjana

“It was wonderful programme. Got knowledge how work with UN. IFOR should continue this efforts.” -Ruhi

“It is a great opportunity to strengthen international advocacy and the socialization capacities of different organizations that work to promote human rights in the world. It allows to have a close and direct work towards the United Nations System, from the perspective of Civil Society organizations. Personally, it was an opportunity that I am grateful for, and I can affirm that it changed my life, it allowed me to learn about different ways of fighting for human rights, to learn about new realities, and to always think that despite the great distances and cultural differences, the work for the rights of people can be understood as a universal language.” -Laura

“What set this program apart from others was great its focus on practical lessons in that we were able to learn firsthand about the workings of the Human Rights Council session and explore opportunities for advocacy on issues of common concern.” -Tsering

IFOR speaks at the UN on forced cultural assimilation of Tibetans

Tenzing Dawa, TCHRD senior programme officer, delivering the statement on behalf of IFOR.

On September 27th the International Fellowship of Reconciliation took the floor at the UN Human Rights Council during the General debate on the human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

IFOR addressed the dramatic situation in the Tibetan region highlighting the ongoing violation of cultural rights, freedom of expression, conscience, thought and religion, for instance.

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Human Rights Council, 51st Session 

27th September 2022 

GD Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Madam vice-president,  

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation expresses serious concerns regarding the situation of violation of cultural rights with reference to the intensification of forced cultural assimilation of Tibetans inside Tibet by the Chinese government.  

In recent years, repressive legal and policy measures were introduced to impose Chinese medium education starting from the preschool level. Non-governmental initiatives offering lessons in Tibetan language and culture have been suppressed.  

Sinicization's policies have also resulted in the systematic persecution of Tibetan intellectuals, educators, and cultural leaders; some of those have been victims of incommunicado detention and sentenced in secret without access to do legal process.  

Throughout pandemic lockdowns, the human rights situation in Tibet continues to deteriorate. Unprecedented controls on online communication is resulting in Tibet as an informational black hole.  

Restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, religion and expression continue to escalate. We have registered cases of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of Tibetans for merely engaging in peaceful protests.  

We call on this Council and the High Commissioner to address the human rights situation of Tibetans and to work together with China to ensure the protection of their cultural rights: their right to determine their own educational and cultural affairs as provided in the Chinese Constitution as well as the Regional National Autonomy Law and to immediately halt the closure of Tibetan language schools and imposition of Chinese medium education.  

We thank you.

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Click here to watch the delivery of the statement in the plenary.

Click here to download the full statement.

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IFOR has submitted, in collaboration with its affiliate Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), a written thematic statement to the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council. This document, titled “Human Rights in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China and Other Tibetan Populated Areas in China ", has been received by the Secretary-General and has been circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31. It is registered officially on the UN website as A/HRC/51/NGO/151 and is available here.

Learn more about TCHRD here and more about their recent activity at the UN, here.