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Climate change, the rights of asylum seekers and indigenous issues were amongst human rights concerns raised during a 2-day workshop organised by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission of Churches on International Affairs and the National Council of Churches of Australia in Brisbane on 24-25 February. The workshop, which included representatives from the Uniting Church, Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, The Salvation Army, Sisters of Saint Joseph, Queensland Churches Together and the Anglican Board of Mission, took place in the context of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of human rights in Australia by the United Nations Human Rights Council later this year.

Last month, three members of Nigeria’s Christian community spoke to Government representatives in Geneva, spotlighting the challenges that children, and particularly girls, face in their society. Their meetings took place ahead of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of their country, at the United Nations this week.

The WCC Executive Committee met in Uppsala, Sweden from 1-8 November to approve the 2019 programme plans and budget, follow up and decide on a variety of assembly matters, review the WCC strategic plan, discuss world affairs and issue seven statements in response to current situations. The Executive Committee also discerned the way forward for the WCC’s Communication Strategy.

Members of a church-backed coalition have called on Indonesia to open access to West Papua for international journalists, independent observers, human rights organizations and the International Red Cross.

A coalition of faith-based organizations is emphasizing a joint approach in addressing unprecedented levels of violence against women and girls.

How do the many contemporary issues and challenges about gender relate to the newest conceptions of mission? Does mission as currently conceived help women, for example, or speak adequately to such widespread phenomena as gender-related violence? Is there a “gender imperative” for mission?

Swedish communication specialist Marianne Ejdersten has recently been appointed as director for Communication at the WCC.

The WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea, concluded on 8 November, acting to inspire churches to renew their commitments to justice and peace. Through varied encounters and dialogue within the fellowship of churches, the Assembly has made concrete decisions and recommendations setting priorities for the future work of the WCC.

In a public hearing at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, church activists from the Philippines criticized the Aquino government for not being able to improve the situation regarding human rights violations, citing an increased number of victims of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, as well as evictions in the country. Â

by Juan Michel (*)

Jointly issued by LWF and WCC

Jointly issued by LWF and WCC