Participating in the CSW at the United Nations (UN) in New York, proved to be a wonderful experience of learning and solidarity. Hundreds of women from all over the world were there to share, learn, encourage, lobby and advocate for the rights of women and children. The theme of the 56th CSW, organised by the UN, was 'Rural Women' from the perspective of empowerment, development, poverty and main streaming of gender issues. Running parallel to the formal meetings in the assembly halls, were numerous 'side events' organised by different UN groups, NGOs and lobby groups. Important issues like women in politics, the consequences of the undernourishment of babies during the first 1000 days of life, and the issue of 'demand' which facilitates the trafficking of humans, were addressed during the Commission.   
 
There was tremendous energy and great conversation in the crowded halls, the side events and coffee shops. At the interactive side event 'Story to Skills: Advocating with Women in Rural Areas' organised by the 'Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations,' I was privileged to be one of the panellists with women from rural USA, Palestine and India. Listening to the diverse stories of survival in the midst of great hardship and suffering touched deep into our psyche, demonstrating that what we share in common is so much more than what divides us! This year International Women's Day on 8 March held special significance as together we prayed: Let us be women of courage who turn adversity into triumph, so our children will live in peace.....
 
Denise Boyle fmdm
Executive Director 

Child marriage in India, Violence against albino children in Tanzania and neighbouring countries, and Torture and extra judicial execution in Papua, are all serious concerns that FI addressed in oral statements to the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council at the UN in Geneva. In coordination with other NGOs, FI also supported three oral statements on specific recommendations accepted by the Governments of the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe during each country’s Universal Periodic Review session.

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During the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, FI co-organised three parallel events to address serious human rights concerns on: ‘Freedom of religion and belief’; ‘Human rights defenders combating impunity in the Philippines’; and ‘The human rights situation in Papua and West Papua’. Selected panellists shared their testimonies to raise awareness on the collaboration of UN and Government officials and other NGOs also working on these issues. 

FI hosted an advanced workshop in Geneva for Franciscans from eleven Francophone African countries.  Most of the 11 participants had already worked with FI through submitting a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on human rights concerns in their respective countries. The workshop focused on developing their working knowledge of the UPR and other UN human rights mechanisms through which FI addresses the root causes of the abuse of human rights. 

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In late February, FI hosted 11 Franciscans from across Europe for an introductory workshop on the advocacy work of FI at the UN.  FI Advocates presented on specific UN human rights mechanisms and how we, as civil society actors, can work at the international level to address human rights issues.  The OFM Capuchin friars visited the UN in Geneva to observe the discussions taking place during the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council.

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