IMCS human rights internship program in Geneva for Sri Lankan HRDs
March 2024
Ruki Fernando
From 3rd to 10th March 2024, International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) – Pax Romana hosted and supported team of seven Sri Lankan Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) for a human rights internship to learn, experience and use UN human rights mechanisms based in Geneva, Switzerland. The team included me as team leader, an interpreter and diverse team of five young HRDs. The five HRDs were all grassroots activists, visiting Europe for 1st time (most overseas for the 1st time). They were from different areas in Sri Lanka and were victims of rights violations or from victimized communities. They attended 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), made two oral statements during the UNHRC, submitted one written statement to the UNHRC, met UN staff from Special Procedures, Treaty bodies and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). They also met a British diplomat who have been working on Sri Lanka for long time, Geneva based NGOs, two HRDs from Rohingya community and Manipur and attended side events at the UNHRC.
IMCS assisted with providing accreditation to the UN, making arrangements to submit the written statement and make two oral statements. During the weekend, IMCS hosted them in IMCS International centre in La Roche, France, for some rest and de-briefing session. IMCS also assisted with logistical arrangements such as accommodation, transport, welcoming at airport, occasional interpretation and general accompaniment. The five participants were selected from amongst more than thirty who had undergone an introductory course on UN Human Rights mechanisms in Sri Lanka in December 2023 – January 2024. Participants are now in process of engaging in follow up activities in Sri Lanka.
My involvement in conceptualizing and organizing this initiative was inspired by my participation in Pax Romana human rights internship in Geneva many years ago and subsequent attempts at training HRDs from Sri Lanka and Asia on UN human rights mechanisms and assisting individual HRDs in undertaking lobby visits to Geneva. Outgoing and former IMCS team members Ravi and Budi provided valuable assistance and advise in organizing the program in Geneva.
The initiative was sponsored by Bread for the World (BfW) in Germany. After the visit in Geneva, BfW had organized a visit to Berlin in Germany, including meetings with the German foreign ministry official working on Sri Lanka, a German MP, German NGOs and Sri Lankan diaspora in Germany. The team also had a chance to join a customized study tour about memorialization for past rights violations in Germany and session on European institutions dealing with human rights.
Links:
Oral statement during interactive dialogue with Special Rapportuer on Freedom of Religion or Belief
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k160flweyj – Mins 01.02.18 onwards. Text in Annex 1
Oral statement during interactive dialogue with Special Rapportuer on Right to Housing
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k15/k15m87qyxk – Mins 01.18.09 onwards. Text in Annex 2
Written statement https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g24/029/39/pdf/g2402939.pdf?token=xqHdQ8IGbxNS2tcP4H&fe=true –
Pax Catholic Forum, Rome 2024
Pax Catholic Forum, Rome 2024
- “Youth for a Culture of Just and Sustainable Peace and Nonviolence”
- Overview
The Pax Catholic Forum, held on September 19, 2024, in Rome, Italy, brought together Catholic youth, religious leaders, scholars, and peace activists from across the globe. The event, hosted at the Institute of St. Anselm in Ciampino, was organised by the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS-MIEC) Pax Romana in collaboration with International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), Pax Christi Korea, Pax Christi International, Manhattan College Dorothy Center and ICMICA Pax Romana. The Federazione Universitaria Cattolica Italiana (FUCI) played a crucial role as the local host. This gathering centred around the theme: “Youth for a Culture of Just and Sustainable Peace and Nonviolence.” It aimed to empower Catholic youth to lead initiatives that foster justice, sustainability, and nonviolence in today’s complex global landscape.
- Main Objectives
The Forum was driven by several key goals:
- Empowering Youth: To inspire Catholic youth to be proactive leaders in global and local peace initiatives.
- Promoting Catholic Social Teachings: Connect contemporary challenges with the Church’s teachings on justice, dignity, and care for creation.
- Strengthening Global Networks: To build and reinforce international networks of young Catholic advocates committed to nonviolence and justice.
- Laying the Foundation for Future Engagement: To prepare for significant events, particularly the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, focusing on peace and sustainability.
- Key Themes and Discussions
- Youth Leadership for a Culture of Peace
- The Forum emphasised that young Catholics are vital to cultivating a culture of peace. Participants were urged to take leadership roles in addressing global and local challenges, from environmental degradation to social injustice.
- Central to the discussions was the understanding that youth are not just future leaders but current change-makers capable of shaping Church and societal responses to injustice. The Forum emphasised the integration of young voices in decision-making processes, especially within the Church.
- Justice as the Foundation for Peace
- Discussions highlighted the intrinsic link between justice and peace, underscoring that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and respect for human dignity.
- Catholic social teachings, including Pope Francis’s encyclicals Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, were highlighted as guiding documents for Catholic youth activism. These teachings were presented as essential frameworks for addressing economic inequality, protecting human rights, and promoting ecological sustainability.
- Sustainability and Ecological Justice
- A significant focus of the Forum was the Church’s role in advocating for ecological justice. Participants were encouraged to champion environmental sustainability as a key aspect of Catholic identity and duty.
- Pope Francis’s call for an “ecological conversion” in Laudato Si was a recurring theme, with discussions stressing the urgent need for Catholic youth to take action on climate change, advocate for sustainable policies, and practice stewardship of creation.
- Nonviolence as a Principle and Practice
- Nonviolence was at the heart of the Forum’s discussions, viewed as both a principle and a strategy for achieving sustainable peace. Participants explored nonviolence not just as a strategy for conflict resolution but as a way of life that aligns with Catholic values of compassion, respect, and solidarity.
- The legacy of Pax Romana and Pax Christi in advocating nonviolent solutions was highlighted, with an emphasis on disarmament, conflict prevention, and restorative justice as tools for building a peaceful society.
- Building Strong International and Local Networks
- The Forum emphasised the importance of solidarity across regions and cultures. Regional discussions allowed participants to address specific challenges faced in different contexts while recognising the shared goals of justice, peace, and sustainability.
- The event underscored that local actions can drive global change, and international Catholic networks must be strengthened to advocate effectively on the global stage. The 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul was seen as a key milestone for showcasing this unified Catholic voice.
4. Major Outcomes
- Adoption of the 2024 Rome Appeal for Peace
- A pivotal outcome of the Forum was the adoption of the “Rome Appeal for Peace 2024.” This document serves as a manifesto for Catholic youth, calling for:
- Greater involvement in local and global peace initiatives.
- The use of Catholic social teachings as a foundation for advocacy.
- Active leadership in ecological justice efforts, emphasising sustainability.
- Commitment to nonviolence in all aspects of social and political engagement.
- Commitment to Youth-Driven Peace Initiatives
- The Forum reinforced the message that young Catholics are at the forefront of the Church’s mission for peace and justice. There was a clear call for youth-driven initiatives that challenge systemic injustices and promote a culture of dialogue and solidarity.
- The discussions encouraged Catholic youth to use digital platforms and social media to amplify their message, recognising the power of technology in modern advocacy.
- Preparation for the 2027 World Youth Day
- The Forum served as a preparatory platform for the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, framing it as a significant opportunity for Catholic youth to unite and advocate for global justice and peace. Participants were encouraged to see WYD as a stage for showcasing their commitment to sustainable peace and nonviolence.
- There was a focus on ensuring that WYD 2027 would be a spiritual event and a space for concrete commitments to social justice, sustainability, and youth empowerment.
5. Conclusion
The Pax Catholic Forum in Rome was a landmark gathering, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to a culture of just and sustainable peace rooted in nonviolence. It provided a platform for young Catholics to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and develop global and local advocacy strategies. The event was a powerful reminder that Catholic youth are not passive observers but active participants in shaping a just and peaceful world.
The “Rome Appeal for Peace 2024” will serve as a foundational document, guiding the efforts of Catholic youth in the coming years, particularly as they prepare for the Jubilee year 2025 and 2027 World Youth Day. The success of the Forum underscored that the Church’s future lies in the hands of its youth—leaders who are called to embody the Gospel values of justice, peace, and care for creation.
The collaboration between international Catholic organisations and the strong involvement of the local host, FUCI, demonstrated the power of unity in diversity. The Forum’s discussions and outcomes will continue to inspire and guide Catholic youth, ensuring they remain at the heart of the Church’s mission for a just and sustainable world.
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A Historic Audience with Pope Francis: IMCS Pax Romana’s Vision for Youth, Faith, and Social Justice
A Historic Audience with Pope Francis:
IMCS Pax Romana’s Vision for Youth, Faith, and Social Justice
On September 20, 2024, IMCS Pax Romana had the extraordinary privilege of a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. This historic event was more than a meeting; it was a resounding endorsement from the Church for IMCS Pax Romana’s mission to inspire young Catholics to lead in building a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world. Pope Francis’s message was profound, serving as both a call to action and a blessing on IMCS Pax Romana’s commitment to youth-led advocacy and Catholic social teaching.
Pope Francis’s Vision for Young Catholics: A Revolution of Charity and Service
Addressing IMCS members, Pope Francis acknowledged the organisation’s dedication to social justice and human development, emphasising the value of their faith-inspired efforts in a world often marked by division and indifference. He urged young Catholics to be “protagonists of the revolution of charity and service,” echoing the Church’s 2018 Synod on Young People, which stressed the importance of youth as catalysts of change. This vision resonated deeply with IMCS Pax Romana’s mission, affirming that their advocacy aligns with a broader Church movement to create compassionate leaders through faith and action.
Pope Francis highlighted IMCS Pax Romana’s global impact, particularly through its educational centres in Pax Romana Centennial Centre (PRCC), France, the International Youth Training Centre (IYTC), Thailand, and Kenya. Here, young leaders are formed in the Gospel’s message of peace and service and empowered to tackle issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights violations. By promoting a culture of global citizenship, IMCS Pax Romana bridges faith and real-world challenges, reinforcing the Pope’s vision of faith in action.
Engaging in the Synod on Synodality: Walking Together with the Church
During the audience, Pope Francis emphasised the Synod on Synodality, inviting IMCS Pax Romana to engage deeply in this journey of “walking together.” He urged IMCS members to participate in open dialogue, discernment, and communal reflection as they work alongside the Church to address today’s pressing needs. This synodal journey, he noted, is an opportunity for young Catholics to contribute their voices and insights, ensuring that the Church remains open and adaptable to the concerns of its followers.
Preparing for the Holy Year 2025: A Call for Renewal and Spiritual Enrichment
Pope Francis encouraged IMCS members to view the Holy Year 2025 as a “privileged opportunity for personal renewal and spiritual enrichment.” This invitation is especially significant, as the Holy Year’s theme focuses on unity and pilgrimage, symbolised by the Holy Door. Pope Francis reminded attendees that this Door serves as a reminder of the Church’s journey toward transformation—a journey requiring active engagement from youth.
A Mission of Peace, Justice, and Human Rights
In closing, Pope Francis invoked blessings on IMCS Pax Romana’s work, expressing hope that their efforts will foster “peace, harmony, justice, human rights, and mercy” worldwide. He entrusted the group to Mary, Queen of Peace, and drew inspiration from Blessed Giorgio Frassati, a Catholic youth and social activist symbolising IMCS’s spirit. This blessing strengthens the organisation’s resolve to champion the rights of marginalised communities and advocate for justice globally.
A Catalyst for Global Catholic Youth Action
For IMCS Pax Romana, this audience with Pope Francis is a high honour and a call to action. It solidifies the organisation’s role as a global leader in Catholic youth activism, emphasising its potential to shape the Church’s future and inspire a new generation of young Catholics. This meeting energises IMCS Pax Romana’s members, instilling a renewed sense of purpose to bridge faith and social justice.
IMCS Pax Romana is committed to using this monumental encounter as a springboard for intensified promotion, advocacy, and engagement with Catholic youth worldwide. Pope Francis’s words resonate as an endorsement of IMCS Pax Romana’s mission and as an invitation to further expand the organisation’s reach, ensuring that young Catholics everywhere are empowered to be agents of positive change in their communities and in the world.
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Nagasaki, Japan | August 10, 2024 On August 10, 2024, IMCS Pax Romana had the privilege of participating in the Nagasaki Catholic Peace Forum (CPF), held at Otsugeno Maria Syuudoujyokai
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