In spite of everything, a culture of peace is emerging in all fields of human endeavour
monthly, year 20th, no. 289 – 19th April 2020
Good News Agency carries positive and constructive news from all over the world relating to voluntary work, the work of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and institutions engaged in improving the quality of life – news that doesn’t “burn out” in the space of a day. It is distributed free of charge through Internet to media and editorial journalists, NGOs, service associations and high schools and colleges around the world.
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Editorial: Seven Steps in the Future
by Franco Anesi, President of the Italian Association “Triangoli e Buona Volontà Mondiale”
The pandemic and its consequences for our daily lives have come upon us with such speed and impact that we are all still stunned by the blow we received. We seek comfort and hope in the data and opinions of virologists, doctors and scientists. We trust in the ability of politicians, governments, national and international institutions to find extraordinary economic and financial measures to face a long and inevitable crisis. We try to find new resources of understanding and trust within us. In any case, two inexorable and inevitable questions remain; who or what produced all this? And what will our future life be like? These are tough and important questions, which we are forced to face, in our individual conscience, with the people in the house with us, in the meetings with others that we carry out continuously with the IT tools that are supporting us.
Here we want to address these two questions from the perspective of World Goodwill, not only understood as the ethical and legal stamp of our Association, but once again as a vital energy, as an entity in action capable of transforming the world in which we live. We will see through the usual collection of good news, this time entirely dedicated to the theme of the Covid-19 pandemic, how this entity is responding in a varied and widespread way to the emergency, in the various fields of institutional decisions, human rights, solidarity, peace and security, overcoming divisions and affirming a culture of peace.
And beyond the answer to necessity, the questions still remain.
The first question: who or what caused all this?
When we look at the theme of disease from a broader and deeper perspective, we always find its origins in a condition of imbalance which then determines the loss of vitality and health. Today the psychosomatic interpretation of diseases is becoming increasingly clear and capable of feeding valid and correct diagnostic and prognostic processes from a scientific point of view and not only from the one of the consciousness or the one coming from philosophy.
In the Books of the Agni Yoga Series (visit Agni Yoga Society, New York), there is often a reference to an unexplored, yet very present, vital energy, which is given the name of "psychic energy", or "primary energy". This energy can be contacted in nature, accumulated, conserved, used well or dispersed, like any other energy, and its presence or absence determines health or infirmity. Hence, a deficiency of this vital, psychic energy can favor the spread of epidemics and pandemics.
“…who could say that epidemics of influenza should be cured by psychic energy?... But one must ponder over the new enemies that are created by the conditions of contemporary life. One cannot apply old treatments to them; a new approach will be found through the expansion of consciousness. One can trace, how, over the last thousand years, waves of sicknesses have swept over Earth. By these records one can compile a curious tabulation of human failings, because sicknesses clearly show the negative aspects of our existence. I hope that alert minds will think about this in time…”
“…One must pay attention to the origins of various epidemics. The manifestation of this or that epidemic is reflected upon the general conscious forces. The poisoning penetrates deeper than one may think, and regenerates and creates new microbes. Physical and psychic epidemics are very pernicious. Many degenerations of entire families originate from such regenerated microbes….”
“…Whether expressed in poetic images, or in symbols, or in hieroglyphs, or in medical terms, or in a stern command—all forms will point identically to the significance of the basic energy….One may augment strongly the psychic energy, but even small confusion can open the gates to the most dangerous enemy… The physician must harken attentively to the ancient symbols. When Biblical narratives speak about the visitation of illnesses and plagues, it may be understood that the depressed spirit had admitted the most frightful contagions….”
“…Some scientists will agree, although with reservations, that human emanations transform the atmosphere. No emanations are as powerful as those of man, who is capable both of healing and poisoning everything around him. It is not so much the infectious sickness of people that poison the atmosphere, but their irritation, anger, and malice. …Healing and cleansing measures are needed for Earth. The infected layers must be purified, and only man can do it. If inhabitants of Earth consider the state of their psychic energy and are careful not to worsen it, the process of improvement will begin. The most dangerous epidemics can be stopped by invisible forces, and one can begin such defense in one’s daily life….”
Therefore, even in the texts of an ancient spiritual teaching, human consciousness is spoken of, and of the behaviors that derive from its state and level, as well as the cause and origin of living conditions, health or disease in an existential sense. We are clearly shown the existence of a universal law called cause and effect (in the East also referred to as Karma); a universal law that ensures that life always tends toward balance in its evolutionary path, and when this balance is altered, "painful" events occur in the human perspective, which indicate both the violation and the need for restoration. Action and reaction, actions and their consequences, missed actions and their consequences. Even in Buddhist philosophy and religion we find precise indications on the origin of pain and suffering and on the possible ways of liberation, which confirm the hypothesis of this law.
Now, the triggering factor of this pandemic is indicated by very reliable sources in the scientific field to be the "species jump" made by the virus, previously present in some animal species and "transited" in humans due to forms of promiscuity and contamination. If this was the spark that ignited the "gas" present in space, could not this "gas" exactly be the degeneration of right relationships with the animal world, with natural life; the break of balance determined by too many, selfish, separative, shortsighted and unable to think about the future and inevitability of the law of cause and effect?
Humanity, in its state of consciousness, has produced all this. Or perhaps we can say a part of Humanity, which has moved away from the true meaning of progress and evolution, which are internal and non-external facts; which has favored the material well-being of a few originated from the privations of many; which has allowed departure from the laws of nature and balance, which he lived favoring separation, division, outrages against nature and its kingdoms. This part of Humanity has reached the end of its journey, and the pandemic has perhaps stopped, or at least slowed down, a running train now without driving and control.
There is a new part of Humanity that begins to think in terms of substantial unity, integration, values such as goodwill, solidarity, understanding, tolerance, mutual help, correct use and distribution of resources. This new part of Humanity can gather the pain and the disorientation of the human multitudes today, and this is the part of Humanity that today must be "affirmed", presenting a different future and making it attractive to many.
And here we arrive at the second question:
What will our future life be like?
Our future life will depend on the transformation and possible evolution of human consciousness and will depend primarily on the acceptance of love as the foundation of a possible new culture and new civilization. Love as cohesive energy, as acceptance and understanding of the other, love as recognition and appreciation of each individuality and diversity, love as wisdom and active intelligence, love as constant inspiration for thoughts, words and actions inspired and guided by good will and right relationships. Not a sentimental vision of love, but a real access to new state and level of consciousness.
Allow me then to indicate seven possible steps, or seven directions, which will help us to enter this new dimension of existence, and to finally direct our future on truly evolutionary lines, avoiding the risks of an involutionary regression.
As a first step, we begin to remember and recognize the meaning of life as a sacred thing. This renewed sense of the sacred, which does not refer to a particular religious vision, can begin to mark thoughts, words and behaviors; therefore, the commitment to put the sacredness of life, and also its own mystery, at the center of one's reflection, feeling and acting is needed. Life is sacred.
As a second step, it is necessary to mature the perception of being guided, of having within itself, at the highest point of recognition in a common purpose, a guiding principle, as if it were a stable light on one's progress, a real sun capable of nourishing, warmth and illumination. Each individual, each group, each nation, humanity as a whole have to learn the sense of entrusting and obedience to a guiding principle, to a system of superior values capable of freeing them from the relativism of arbitrary choices.
As a third step, the "human group" has to recognize itself permanently as such, a group, and perceive the existence of the life of the group as that of a creature that begins its own development and growth. More than ever, we need a way of thinking and feeling that guides the affirmation of the common good capable of containing the individual good. The "human group" learns to perceive the existence of a vital and creative center that takes care of the growth of the whole, and thus develops that sense of affinity that will lead to cooperation and no longer to competition.
As a fourth step, it is necessary to start experimenting with a new way of living, whose energy’s center and objective is the evolution of consciousness itself, of awareness. Questions, decisions and choices must be oriented towards the imitation of higher, certainly broader and more inclusive models of life, such as those of the sky and the solar system in which we rotate, where every relationship between the various parts is marked by the search for harmony and the right proportions, where major and minor cooperate, recognize and help each other.
As a fifth step, it is necessary to understand and affirm that a new human civilization cannot ignore a new vision of culture, a culture capable of instilling the values of unity in diversity, freedom, cooperation, beauty as cornerstones of the world regeneration process. We need to understand the value of our work and always consider it part of a wider work, perceiving the existence of a network of other groups at work, in the various fields of human activity, united by the common commitment to the birth of this renewed human civilization.
As a sixth step, it is essential to learn a new level of communication within yourself. Learn to communicate with your inner essence, with the core of power, love and intelligence inherent in every living creature. As vital water, we need to develop a sense of profound unity, and a sense of new humanity that helps us to recognize and honor the same sense of unity in others, with whom we learn to communicate on the plane of essence and not of form. This sense of profound unity will be the basis for a new common religious attitude.
Finally, as a seventh step, to bring together the special energy of synthesis, this new force that characterizes our time. Synthesis of ideas, words, feelings and actions. Synthesis between one's aspiration to be useful for human progress and the ability to transfer it into daily, stable and rhythmic action. Synthesis between each part, to find the place for everything and know how to put it in the right order. The path of synthesis will ensure the laws of balance and order of natural life are recognized and rediscovered, in full awareness of being part of the life of the planet, a life to be served and no longer to be exploited.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/466 of 30 March 2020 on temporary measures to contain risks to human, animal and plant health and animal welfare during certain serious disruptions of Member States’ control systems due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (Text with EEA relevance)
March 31, 2020 - THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION (…) HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
This Regulation lays down temporary measures necessary to contain widespread risks to human, animal and plant health and animal welfare, in order to address serious disruptions in the functioning of Member States’ control systems in view of the crisis linked to COVID-19.
Article 2
Member States that wish to apply the temporary measures laid down in this Regulation shall inform the Commission and the other Member States thereof, as well as of measures taken to remedy their difficulties in carrying out official controls and other official activities in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625. (…)
Per il testo italiano vedi:
COVID-19: ICRC global response to the coronavirus
26March – The COVID-19 pandemic (or coronavirus) is unprecedented in recent history and is spreading rapidly. It is not only a public health crisis, but also a humanitarian crisis in the making. In war-torn countries, COVID-19 represents a dramatic threat to life. Health systems have already been ravaged by violence, and the threat of further strain on health care from the coronavirus is an enormous risk for communities. Plans to prevent and respond to the virus must urgently move forward before it gains a foothold in countries in conflict. COVID-19 does not have to be catastrophic for countries with weakened health care systems. But it does require the international community to take immediate action to scale up resources – funding, medical supplies, equipment and staff – to avoid the worst and save lives. The humanitarian aid we provide on the frontlines is essential to saving lives during this crisis. The ICRC's unique value in many countries is its access to areas of conflict that other organizations may not have. This allows us to assist in responding to an outbreak in hard to reach war-torn areas. We will work closely with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies to support their activities and include them in our own. The ICRC addresses health concerns in conflict zones in a multi-disciplinary manner: water and sanitation teams work to increase access to clean water in dozens of areas affected by crises, including prisons. Soap is included in the assistance packages given to families fleeing violence. (…)
https://www.icrc.org/en/document/covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic-icrc#gs.2ol1wa
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres call to action
March 2020 –
Our world faces a common enemy: COVID-19.
The virus does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relentlessly.
Meanwhile, armed conflict rages on around the world.
The most vulnerable — women and children, people with disabilities, the marginalized and the displaced — pay the highest price.
They are also at the highest risk of suffering devastating losses from COVID-19.
Let’s not forget that in war-ravaged countries, health systems have collapsed.
Health professionals, already few in number, have often been targeted.
Refugees and others displaced by violent conflict are doubly vulnerable.
The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war.
That is why today, I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world.
It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives.
To warring parties, I say:
Pull back from hostilities.
Put aside mistrust and animosity.
Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end the airstrikes.
This is crucial…
To help create corridors for life-saving aid.
To open precious windows for diplomacy.
To bring hope to places among the most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Let us take inspiration from coalitions and dialogue slowly taking shape among rival parties in some parts to enable joint approaches to COVID-19. But we need much more.
End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world.
It starts by stopping the fighting everywhere. Now.
That is what our human family needs, now more than ever.
- UN Secretary General António Guterres
COVID-19 in Sudan: Life-saving messages reach North Darfur, South Kordofan to halt spread of virus
31 March 2020 Fairfield, Connecticut – A fleet of Save the Children vehicles equipped with loudspeakers and signboards is moving through North Darfur and Kordofan in Sudan this week, sharing messages about handwashing, social distancing and other ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Save the Children recruited a local drama group to bring life and animation to the messages, which are also being played on local radios as well as fixed loudspeakers. In front of a hospital in Kordofan, Save the Children teams demonstrated social distancing while distributing leaflets on COVID-19 prevention. The teams also posted banners on walls and broadcast messages on loudspeakers. The international humanitarian organization is also partnering with a location telecommunications company, Zain-Sd, to send SMS cards with COVID-19 awareness messages across Sudan in coming days. Zain-Sd has the highest number of subscribers of any telecom company in Sudan. It is expected that the messages will reach more than 5 million people by the end of next week. The mobile messaging squad is part of a range of activities taking place in Sudan to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as cases rose dramatically across Africa this week. To date there have been more than 5,255 confirmed cases across at least 47 countries in Africa, with Sudan reporting six confirmed cases, including two deaths. Save the Children is working closely with the Sudanese Ministry of Health to distribute facemasks and hand sanitizers to all health facilities in the region, with 1,200 masks distributed and 300 gallons of sanitizer procured to date. The agency is also working with the Ministry of Health to establish isolation centers to ensure people who test positive for the virus can recover at a safe distance from the rest of the community. (…)
Coronavirus emergency: Health is a universal right above profit
30 March 2020 - From different parts of the world, a number of humanists have reflected on the present moment and prepared this declaration and campaign which Pressenza is happy to endorse. Health is a universal right. Above market economics and financial speculation. With this appeal we are responding to the responsibility that we have been called upon to accept. We will use all our strength to overcome the coronavirus emergency. And we will do so as best we can by staying at home, continuing to do our work, where necessary, and helping those in need in every way we can. We will be responsible and try to convince those around us to do the same. We will continue to be responsible, even when this situation is behind us, when we will have to pay the price for the catastrophe that will affect millions of people – beyond the loss of so many affected people in inhuman conditions – with extremely serious consequences for healthcare and the economy.
https://www.pressenza.com/2020/03/coronavirus-emergency-health-is-a-universal-right-above-profit//
COVID-19: Prioritise human rights and protect the most vulnerable
27 March 2020 - From solidarity to vigilance, FIDH is as committed as ever to our mission. We are alarmed at repressive practices being carried out in countries throughout the world. In a matter of weeks, the world has been plunged into the biggest global health crisis it has experienced in nearly a century, shaken by the spread of COVID-19, declared a pandemic on 11 March by the World Health Organisation. To date, there are approximately half a million confirmed cases worldwide and at least 21,000 people have died as a result of infection with the virus in 163 countries (Source: WHO). Extraordinary crises call for extraordinary measures: compulsory confinement, quarantines, border closures, travel bans, business closures, requisitioning of medical equipment, curfews, etc. Government initiatives are multiplying in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus; such a robust response may be justified to protect the right to health for all, but it means that human rights organisations must be extremely vigilant. Our duty is to ensure that these initiatives are proportionate and justified.
Finding resilience: how ACDI/VOCA helps communities adapt to shocks
23March – When climate disasters, conflicts, and other crises occur, a community’s capacity to withstand the shocks and adapt to them is what differentiates those who recover from those who suffer.
Today, we find ourselves in uncertain times. As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak sends shock waves around the world, resilience is becoming more vital than ever. But what do we mean by resilience? Resilience is more than meaningless jargon. When defined and measured, it is evidence that people can recover from economic, social, and physical challenges and escape living in a state of chronic vulnerability.
ACDI/VOCA programs around the world aim to build resilience by:
https://www.acdivoca.org/2020/03/finding-resilience-how-acdi-voca-helps-communities-adapt-to-shocks/
South Africa: Civil Society at work - Human Rights Organisations coordinate to maintain legal advice services
(By Mark Heywood)
20 March 2020 - Although Covid-19 has changed our lives, forced us out of our offices and brought many things to an abrupt halt, there are some needs that don't go away. Human rights violations of poor and marginalised people continue - and sadly, can even increase at times like this. Recognising this, South Africa's well-respected not-for-profit legal service sector has come up with a plan. On Wednesday, 18 March a group of 10 organisations issued a public information poster providing details of the issues on which they can provide support; contact details; and hours when they are available. The participating organisations are the Centre for Applied Legal Studies; the Centre for Child Law; the Centre for Environmental Rights; the Equal Education Law Centre; the Legal Resources Centre; Lawyers for Human Rights; Ndifuna Ukwazi; SECTION27; Socio-Economic Rights Institute of SA; and the Women's Legal Centre. The advice the organisations are offering covers almost all rights that are protected by the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, yet frequently violated, including access to housing, health, basic education, children's rights, and services for women and others experiencing gender-based violence.
https://allafrica.com/stories/202003200656.html//
COVID-19: How human rights can help protect us
20 March 2020 - Amnesty International is closely monitoring government responses to the crisis. These are extraordinary times, but it’s important to remember that human rights law still applies. Indeed, it will help us get through this together.
Here’s a quick look at how human rights can help protect us, and what the obligations of governments are in relation to the pandemic.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/03/coronavirus-how-human-rights-help-protect-us//
Bright Funds announces doubled donation volume resulting from generous employer and donor response to COVID-19 crisis
2 April 2020 Ookland, California /CSRwire/ - Bright Funds, the workplace charitable giving platform, announced today that the workplace donations made through the Bright Funds platform more than doubled with an increase of 129% compared to March of the previous year. The increase in charitable giving has been driven by generous employer and employee response to the global COVID-19 crisis. Bright Funds and their customers have created over 60 Funds specifically focused on COVID-19 response. Similar to the mutual fund model, Funds are a collection of nonprofits addressing a specific cause area. The COVID-19 Funds have raised over $1.3 million to date. While monetary support has increased, volunteer hours tracked in Bright Funds fell by 58% over the same period the previous year. The impact of sheltering-in-place is credited for the drop in volunteerism. Bright Funds is facilitating volunteer activities in these new circumstances by helping employers and individuals organize or search for virtual and/or skilled volunteering opportunities. Bright Funds works closely with thousands of domestic and global nonprofits. The message from many of them is grim. According to Thara Jinadasa, Head of Nonprofit Operations at Bright Funds, “We are hearing from many nonprofit partners who are concerned about the devastating repercussions of COVID-19 on their capacity to meet fundraising goals and continue operations. Many are seeing an acute increase in demand for their services, while simultaneously seeing an abrupt decline in funding and volunteer support.”
Caritas globally on the frontline against COVID-19, with love and creativity
3April 2020– Action, awareness and advocacy, without forgetting prayer. These are the guidelines of the work of Caritas, today at the forefront worldwide to respond to COVID-19 pandemic. As explained this morning during an online press conference with the general secretary of Caritas Internationalis, Aloysius John, each of the 165 national Caritas has put in place projects and measures to support the populations affected by the pandemic and to prevent the virus from spreading in countries where this it is still in its infancy. Although in many countries Caritas staff had also to take precautions and abide to the measures imposed by their respective governments, the charity work did not stop and is managing to reach, even with a certain dose of creativity, the most vulnerable people who at this time of crises are likely to be even more left behind. (…) In this particularly tragic moment, Caritas Internationalis urges us to turn our attention in particular to the poorest and developing countries, where a spread of the pandemic could have even more catastrophic consequences than those we have witnessed in Europe and in Western countries. These Caritas are already working to identify the media structures managed by the Church that could be put in use if the virus spreads. But above all, international aid must not stop. “This crisis is mainly affecting Europe and other Western countries, but we must not lose sight of those poor countries that could be more helpless and in need of global solidarity,” said Aloysius John. At the same time, the Confederation urges us not to forget the most vulnerable people who live in every State. Especially migrants, refugees and asylum seekers who are at greater risk of contagion due to the conditions in which they live. Caritas calls on local authorities to guarantee them access to basic services, regardless of their legal status. (…)
https://www.caritas.org/2020/04/caritas-at-the-frontline-against-covid19/
COVID-19 in Lebanon and Palestine: Anera Response Log
2April 2020 – With funding from UNICEF, Anera launched pilot online classes today in Lebanon, using Google Class as a platform. We distributed tablets to 110 students and laptops to the nine participating teachers. We also trained the teachers in how to use the equipment and online platform. For some students, Anera financed an upgrade to their home wifi, so they have reliable connectivity. We chose students who have attended earlier classes, so we know their level. Our vetted and trusted partners are working closely with us on this. Anera will also soon be working with Arizona State University, a leader in online education, on providing English classes in Lebanon. We piloted an English program with them in the past and it was very successful. ASU will provide the classes without charge! (…)
https://www.anera.org/blog/covid-19-in-lebanon-and-palestine-anera-response-log/
Trio of broadcasters commits $50m of advertising inventory to promote vital public health messages to over 800m people
2 April 2020 - Three of the world’s biggest international broadcasters have come together to donate free airtime to public health bodies for the promotion of messages to combat the global coronavirus health crisis. BBC Global News, CNN International and Euronews have committed combined inventory worth up to $50 million. This is available to major multilateral organisations and national health ministries whose aim is to communicate information to help protect citizens and stop the spread of the virus. Demand for trusted news has been unprecedented in recent weeks and, together, the three broadcasters reach over 800m* people, ensuring that important public health advice can reach vast populations around the world at a time of global crisis. Campaigns running via this scheme will be across TV and digital platforms, with the ability to target messages to reach audiences in specific regions. This is the first time that the three broadcasters have come together for a joint initiative, signalling how important it is to them to play their part in the worldwide effort to bring vital health information to people across the globe. They are encouraging other publishers and platforms to replicate the model in order to help spread the message even more widely. The World Health Organization – the global leader in authoritative health information and guidance – is the first body to take up the offer. Its initial campaign will focus on seven steps to prevent the spread of the virus and will run across all three broadcasters.
Musician James Taylor and Wife Give $1 Million to Fight Pandemic (Gifts Roundup)
(By Maria Di Mento)
30 March 2020 – James and Kim Taylor donated $1 million to back Mass. General’s ongoing efforts to battle the escalating coronavirus pandemic. The money will be directed to the MGH President’s Emergency Response Fund, which was established in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing to provide flexible resources to support immediate needs. James Taylor is a well-known singer and songwriter who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. His late father, Isaac, was a physician who served as chief resident at the hospital and conducted research there. He died in 1996. Kim Taylor has served on the board of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children for the past five years. She formerly directed public relations and marketing for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Musician-James-TaylorWife/248373//
Now is the time for Philanthropy to give more, not less
(By Aaron Dorfman and Ellen Dorsey)
19 March 2020 - This week, amid global panic surrounding Covid-19, financial markets took the worst hit of any single day since 1987. Investors and portfolio managers began preparations for austerity and continued belt-tightening as governments grappled to respond to the growing crisis. Both publicly and privately, philanthropy began to wonder whether it should hold off on making grants or liquidating investments.
https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Now-Is-the-Time-for/248278//
A message from our President: Hilton Foundation’s response to COVID-19
By Peter Laugharn
13March 2020 – The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is closely monitoring developments and following recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and we are working swiftly to identify actions we can take to support our staff, partners, grantees and vulnerable populations during this time. (…)
As a private foundation we have a unique opportunity to play an active role in efforts to protect the most vulnerable communities during a pandemic. To that end, we have approved several grants to support vulnerable populations both in our community and internationally. These grants include:
$250,000 to World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (through a partnership with King Baudouin Foundation United States), to strengthen COVID-19 response mechanisms in affected countries within its jurisdiction. $250,000 to Brilliant Corners, in collaboration with Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, to provide support for the County’s COVID-19 prevention and response among individuals experiencing homelessness. $100,000 to Hilton Humanitarian Prize laureate International Rescue Committee, to support continuity of services and scale-up of frontline capacity as part of its COVID-19 global response plan. We are also working with several Los Angeles-area foundations to develop a joint philanthropic fund designed to support the LA County Department of Public Health in addressing the outbreak, particularly before state and federal funding starts to arrive. While the future of COVID-19 remains unknown, the Hilton Foundation will continue to closely follow guidelines and recommendations to protect staff, partners and communities. We encourage our partners to stay vigilant and safe during this uncertain time.
Time to wash our hands of nuclear weapons
3 April 2020 - The UK, like the rest of the world, is in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Health threats like this have been listed as 'Tier 1' threats to national security for some time, as the government acknowledged it is a genuine threat to our way of life. Despite this fact, funding for nuclear weapons has vastly outstripping funding given to preparing for a pandemic. The threat of nuclear weapons from other states has not been listed as a top priority threat by the government. So why are we continuing to press ahead with the plans to replace Trident with a new generation of nuclear weapons as a cost of at least £205 billion. The government must listen to the evidence regarding the threats we face. Their own assessment continually show that it is pandemic health outbreaks, cyber-attacks, climate change and terrorism which threaten us. None of these can be tackled with nuclear weapons. Our friends at CND have launched a new action for you to contact your MP and highlight these inconsistencies, calling for Trident to be scrapped and the money to be diverted to fighting real threats.
https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/39275//
COVID-19: 53 Nations back a global ceasefire but conflict still ensues
(By Seth Farsides)
31 March 2020 - Last week UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urged all the warring parties of the world to “lay down their weapons” in the face of the common enemy – COVID-19. On Monday 30 March 2020, Canada and Italy became the latest in a list of 53 nations supporting the call for a global ceasefire. Mr. Gutterres stressed in his appeal that “the virus does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith. It attacks all, relentlessly.” and that:
“[To] end the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world.
It starts by stopping the fighting everywhere. Now.”
Since the launch of the call several armed groups across the globe have responded positively, with factions in Cameroon, the Philippines and Syria all taking steps to reduce violence in the initial days.
A statement made by the 53 nations – which include global powers such as France and Germany – reiterated that the signatories “welcome and fully support the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic.”.
VATICAN - Pope Francis re-launches the UN appeal: all conflicts should stop in the face of the pandemic
30 March 2020 - Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The planetary emergency of the coronavirus pandemic, "which knows no borders", makes more urgent than ever a "global and immediate ceasefire in all corners of the world". This is the appeal launched by Pope Francis in particular to those responsible for the nations and parties involved in conflicts around the world, at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer on Sunday 29 March in the Library of the Vatican Apostolic Palace. The Bishop of Rome referred to the appeal launched in recent days by the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, inviting everyone "to follow it up by ceasing all forms of hostilities, encouraging the creation of corridors for humanitarian aid, openness to diplomacy, and attention to those who find themselves in situations of vulnerability. May the joint fight against the pandemic" the Pope hoped "bring everyone to recognize the great need to reinforce brotherly and sisterly bonds as members of one human family", and to take note that "conflicts are not resolved through war", and "antagonism and differences must be overcome through dialogue and a constructive search for peace".
COVID-19: UN envoy hails strong Israel-Palestine cooperation
28 March 2020 - Nickolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, has praised the coordination between the Israeli and Palestine authorities in reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Mladenov’s comments were made during a telephone conversation with the other members of the Middle East Quartet, a body set up to mediate the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. It is made up of representatives of the European Union, Russia, the USA, and the United Nations.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060572//
Peacekeeping radio stations provide COVID-19 information to vulnerable communities in conflict-affected countries
27 March 2020 - UN Peacekeeping radio stations have in recent decades helped build support for peace process in a dozen countries around the world including Cambodia, Croatia, Namibia and Timor-Leste.
Today, these stations are playing another vital role – getting the word out to vulnerable communities in conflict-affected states about the coronavirus pandemic and how people can protect themselves and others from getting the disease. UN Peacekeeping currently has large, popular and trusted radio stations in four African countries: The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, which have already recorded cases of COVID-19; and Mali and South Sudan which have not. The stations ability to reach both big urban centers and isolated communities in countries which lack basic communications infrastructure, can play an important role in addressing the disease.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/03/1060542//
Peace groups encourage Leicester to endorse UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty
(By Theresa Alessandro)
19 March 2020 - On the evening of 19th March, Pax Christi Director, Theresa Alessandro, attended a meeting of Leicester City Council. Pax Christi is working with Leicester CND and Community of Christ friends on a project to encourage Leicester City Council to endorse the UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty. This is an initiative of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons - ICAN. Nuclear Weapons possessing countries, such as the UK, are so far failing to engage with the nuclear ban treaty but hundreds of cities around the world have now endorsed the ban treaty, including Paris, Geneva, Washington DC, and in the UK, Manchester, Oxford and more. Read more about the ICAN cities appeal here: https://cities.icanw.org/
https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/39168//
Catholic University Makes Vaccine Research Free to Fight Coronavirus Pandemic
(By Matt Hadro)
3 April 2020 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — An expert research professor on vaccines at the Catholic University of America is working with the university to make his patents available royalty-free to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Roa explained in an interview with CNA Thursday that he and the university wanted to aid the global effort to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus.
World Health Worker Week - April 5 - 11, 2020
2 April 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic and other global emergencies show us once again the heroic efforts health workers on the front lines make every day to keep their communities—and the world—safe and healthy. The WHO and the Global Health Workforce Network is pleased to partner with civil society partners—the Frontline Health Workers Coalition and its members—to honor health workers during World Health Worker Week: April 5-11, 2020. The Eighth Annual World Health Worker Week is yet another opportunity to mobilize communities, partners, and policymakers to increase support of health workers worldwide. The 2020 theme is Leaders on the Front Line. This theme highlights the need to provide greater leadership opportunities for frontline health workers—particularly women health workers, who make up more than 70% of the global health workforce. At the same time, this theme emphasizes how health workers often put themselves on the line, often at great personal risk to themselves and their families, to save and improve lives.
We invite all health workforce stakeholders to join us by raising public awareness and engaging on health workforce issues, and recognize the lifesaving contribution of the health workforce. All activities will be filtered through a World Health Worker Week portal, hosted by the Frontline Health Workers Coalition secretariat at IntraHealth International.
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/02-04-2020-world-health-worker-week-2020//
PAHO launches searchable database on COVID-19 guidance and research
1 April 2020 - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a new searchable database that contains the latest guidance and research on the COVID-19 pandemic from the Americas and affected countries worldwide. The database includes recommendations and guidance from PAHO and the World Health Organization as well as other technical guidelines from Member States, scientific publications, and ongoing research protocols from the region of the Americas. It is intended for use by decision- and policy-makers, researchers, health professionals, and individuals. The “COVID-19 Guidance and the Latest Research in the Americas” database currently comprises nearly 500 items organized into three main categories: “Save Lives,” “Protect Health Care Workers,” and “Slow the Spread.” Filters allow users to search by subcategories, type of study, authorship, and language (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and others). PAHO’s database is complementary to the WHO Database of Publications on Coronavirus Disease *COVID-19), providing specially curated literature with a focus on the Americas and drawn from additional sources as well. Both databases are updated regularly.
MSF steps up COVID-19 response in Europe
30March 2020– Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expanded activities in response to COVID-19 in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, France, Norway, Greece and Belgium. Our teams are supporting nursing homes for the elderly, assisting other vulnerable people, such as the homeless and migrants, and providing technical support and training. Describing our COVID-19 response in Europe, Dr Christos Christou, MSF international president said: “As an emergency humanitarian organisation, MSF provides medical assistance to vulnerable people in a moment of crisis and societal disruption. Today, in Europe some of the most advanced health systems in the world are buckling under the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to epidemics is at the core of what we do – intervening when the system is overrun and where we can put our expertise in managing emergencies to good use.” (…) MSF teams are also supporting COVID-19 activities in conjunction with health authorities from Afghanistan to Libya to Nigeria to Syria to Hong Kong. We have seen how this virus has crippled some of the most advanced health systems in countries that have a social safety net and where most people have access to running water and space to self-isolate. This is simply not possible for people in many of the countries where we typically work. Our greatest concern is that the virus takes hold in places with weaker health systems, where vulnerable people can’t protect themselves. International solidarity will be crucial, while the response to COVID-19 will have to be tailored to every setting and community, as well as to local capacities. (…)
https://www.msf.org/msf-steps-covid-19-response-europe
UNESCO mobilizes 122 countries to promote open science and reinforced cooperation in the face of COVID-19
30 March 2020 - UNESCO on 30 March hosted an online meeting of representatives of ministries in charge of science all over the world. Participants included 77 ministers, including governmental secretaries representing a total of 122 countries, as well as Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Sarah Anyang Agbor, African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, Moisés Omar Halleslevens Acevedo, former Vice President of Nicaragua and Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the World Health Organization’s Chief Scientist. The objective of the meeting was to exchange views on the role of international cooperation in science and increased investment in the context of COVID-19. The key issue of open science, for which UNESCO has been working on an International Recommendation since November 2019, was a major topic of discussion.
WHO releases guidelines to help countries maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic
30 March 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic is straining health systems worldwide. The rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and health care workers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively. “The best defense against any outbreak is a strong health system,” stressed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “COVID-19 is revealing how fragile many of the world’s health systems and services are, forcing countries to make difficult choices on how to best meet the needs of their people.” To help countries navigate through these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has updated operational planning guidelines in balancing the demands of responding directly to COVID-19 while maintaining essential health service delivery, and mitigating the risk of system collapse. This includes a set of targeted immediate actions that countries should consider at national, regional, and local level to reorganize and maintain access to high-quality essential health services for all.
Countries should identify essential services that will be prioritized in their efforts to maintain continuity of service delivery and make strategic shifts to ensure that increasingly limited resources provide maximum benefit for the population. They also need to comply with the highest standard in precautions, especially in hygiene practices, and the provision of adequate supplies including personal protective equipment This requires robust planning and coordinated actions between governments and health facilities and their managers.
“THE FIRST CALL”
Polio eradication staff support COVID-19 response
13March 2020– Using the vast infrastructure developed to identify the poliovirus and deliver vaccination campaigns, the polio eradication programme is pitching in to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19, especially in polio-endemic countries. From Pakistan to Nigeria, the programme is drawing on years of experience fighting outbreaks to support governments as they respond to the new virus. (…) Trained specialists in the STOP program, part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, are actively supporting preparations or response to COVID-19 in 13 countries worldwide. The WHO Regional Office for Africa’s Rapid Response Team, who usually respond to polio outbreaks, are aiding COVID-19 preparedness in countries including Angola, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Meanwhile, polio staff in other offices are ready to lend support, or are already lending support, to colleagues working to mitigate and respond to the new virus. In our work to end polio, the programme sees the devastating impact that communicable diseases have. With this in mind, we are fully committed to supporting national health systems by engaging our expertise and assets to help mitigate and contain the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside continuing concerted efforts to eradicate polio.
http://polioeradication.org/news-post/the-first-call/
Silver Linings Playbook: Coronavirus Edition
(by Michael Barnard)
31 March 2020 – We’re in the middle of a global wakeup call about the fragility of our economy in the face of pandemics, and the significant actions required to minimize harm. (…) But that doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to look forward and see what we’ll gain from this collective wakeup call. Some will be minor compared to the damage inflected by COVID-19, but some will be major. What are the silver linings?
The world has woken up to the structural fragility of oil and gas as an underpinning of the economy. The oil and gas sector is responsible for an enormous portion of the Dow Jones loss, much more so than other sectors. Further, it’s a vector for disease, not a vector for isolation.
It’s likely that more people will see prolonged lives due to clean air from reduction of air pollution from burning fossil fuels for transportation and energy than will die from the coronavirus.
Americans are starting to accept that collective action and sacrifice are necessary to solve global problems again. (…)
https://cleantechnica.com/2020/03/31/silver-linings-playbook-coronavirus-edition/
Enel draws up COVID-19 insurance policy for all its global employees
27 March 2020 – Enel has drawn up an insurance policy to cover the Group's over 68,000 employees worldwide in the event of hospitalization with the COVID-19 virus. The insurance tool, which was specifically designed for the needs of the Enel Group, represents the first ever of its kind in the world aimed at guaranteeing support at global level for the ongoing pandemic. Through the policy, Enel will guarantee a cash allowance for all Group employees who are hospitalized after contracting the virus or undergoing intensive care. The policy will guarantee additional benefits beyond those offered by all other insurance tools and forms of health care already available to Group employees. This tool (…) was activated immediately in all countries where Enel has employees.
https://electricenergyonline.com/news.php?ID=824661&cat=;90&niveauAQ=0
Millions unite online making Earth Hour 2020 one of the largest virtual movements for the environment
People from a record-breaking 190 countries and territories supported Earth Hour 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.
#EarthHour and related hashtags trended across 37 countries on Twitter and Google Search.
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Pope Francis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, among other influential leaders, as well as numerous celebrities, supported Earth Hour 2020 to draw attention to the nature and climate crises.
29 March 2020, Singapore – Global leaders, celebrities, individuals and businesses from 190 countries and territories came together on Saturday, 28th March, to lend their support for the planet. A people-led movement, Earth Hour 2020 beautifully exemplified the resilience of the human spirit amid a crisis. At a time when people across the globe are battling a health crisis of an unforeseen scale, and many countries are under complete lockdown, supporters rose to the challenge of marking Earth Hour with online events. Earth Hour 2020 generated over 3 billion social media impressions globally and its related hashtags trended across 37 countries on Twitter and Google search, making it one of the most successful online events in its history. Many renowned public figures, environmental activists and celebrities from across the globe supported Earth Hour 2020 to draw attention to the nature and climate crises. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Pope Francis, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Indian film star Amitabh Bachchan, UN Environment Goodwill ambassador Dia Mirza, Kenyan singing sensation Nikita Kering, Colombian model Claudia Bahamon and British Singer Songwriter Cat Stevens were among the many public personalities who participated in Earth Hour this year. (…)
Nature is trying to tell us something. Is anybody listening?
(by Steve Hanley)
25 March 2020 – Nature is Sending us a message. Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Program, tells The Guardian that nature is sending us a message, and part of it involves climate change. She says loss of habitat caused by a burgeoning human population and warmer average temperatures is forcing humans and animals into closer contact, which increases the odds that animal-borne diseases will be transmitted to people. (…)
https://cleantechnica.com/2020/03/25/nature-is-trying-to-tell-us-something-is-anybody-listening/
Religion and spirituality
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U.S. religious freedom ambassador calls for release of prisoners of conscience
3 April 2020 - The U.S. religious freedom ambassador on Thursday called on governments to release prisoners of conscience during the new coronavirus pandemic. “In this time of pandemic, religious prisoners should be released. We call on all governments around the world to do so,” Sam Brownback, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, said on April 2 during a conference call with reporters. He said that the “very crowded, unsanitary conditions” faced by some prisoners is a nightmare scenario during a pandemic. “These are people that should not be in jail in the first place,” he said. “They are simply in jail for peacefully practicing their faith, and yet various regimes put these peaceful prisoners in jail.”
Religions for Peace organizes interfaith moment for hope and solidarity
(By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ)
2 April 2020 - Religions for Peace, an international multi-religious coalition, unites different religions in prayer in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Religions for Peace is organizing a moment of prayer for the world and those affected by the coronavirus pandemic on 1 April. The event aims to unite leaders and followers of diverse religions around the world in a “spiritual moment of shared humanity – calling for health, compassion and strength in the time of Covid-19.” The moment of prayer is to be broadcast live on the social media pages of the organization. Interested participants can join from home by registering on their website.
Covid-19: EU Christian leaders call for unity and solidarity
(By Devin Watkins)
2 April 2020 - Catholic and Protestant leaders in Europe call for renewed commitment to European values and solidarity in the face of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) issued a joint statement on Thursday amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-04/comece-cec-coronavirus-appeal-united-europe.html//
ASIA/CAMBODIA - Covid-19, Catholics nurture faith with "spiritual communion"
2 April 2020 - Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) - As Holy Week approaches, Catholics in Cambodia continue to stay at home, given the Covid-19 emergency and, given the suspension of religious services following the epidemic, nurture their faith with "spiritual communion". The Cambodian government has also banned all public meetings, has imposed the closure of businesses and closed schools, imposing a "community quarantine".
Meditation as a path through the crisis
(By Catherine Scott)
1st April 2020 - themselves away from the reach of Covid-19 in their homes, whether they are working or workless, they are looking for new ways of being community. Many have found their way online to reasonably local churches which happen to be livestreaming Sunday Mass - and taken their pick, no longer trammelled by how far they are prepared to walk or drive on a Sunday morning. On the other hand, those with an attraction to the contemplative path, dating back to the desert fathers, such as John Cassian of the 4th century, have found their way to the website of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) and its related branches - the School of Meditation, Meditatio and Bonnevaux the international WCCM Retreat Centre recently opened, near Poitiers in France. The resources available are impressive and plentiful. For those who are unfamiliar with this dimension of prayer - the prayer of the heart, silent, simple and still - a beginners' course is offered for free. For those who have been meditating for longer, a full range of extremely stimulating courses enable them to deepen their twice daily routine which they integrate with their other ways of prayer.
https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/39260//
Peace, be still: making the most of the storm we face
(By Sam Guzman)
19 March 2020 - Fear is a mental and spiritual virus. It spreads faster and more efficiently than any airborne disease. Its symptoms are at times anger, aggression, isolation, despair, irrationality, loss of faith, and clouded judgement, among other things. And if there is one emotion that dominates the world at this time, it is a deep and abiding fear. It is no wonder, for the situation we now face is unprecedented, and that is no exaggeration. Even in times past, when great plagues would strike parts of the earth, they were usually isolated to a specific locale. Even when all of Europe succumbed to the Black Death, it was far from a global pandemic. Nor are we used to such drastic reactions from world leaders, who are now taking steps to contain the virus that have rarely been seen in the modern world. This is shocking to us. Compared to times past, our lives are usually safe, well-controlled and painless. We avoid the weather with air conditioning and central heat. We shop at supermarkets stocked with every imaginable good. We can choose from restaurants offering countless flavors and cuisines when deciding what to eat for dinner. We communicate across the world in a fraction of a second with our digital devices. Even a headache can be banished with a few pain-reducing pills.
https://www.catholicgentleman.net/2020/03/peace-be-still-making-the-most-of-the-storm-we-face//
Mexico: Education Union Joins the Fight Against COVID-19
3 April 2020 - In Mexico, the Education International member organisation is contributing to government efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of teachers and students and the continued provision of schooling. The Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE), a member organisation of Education International, has launched a media campaign to raise awareness and educate teachers and school communities about COVID-19. It also provides resources on how to adapt to government-declared security measures that have resulted in the closure of schools. The union website has a page dedicated to the pandemic with numerous resources for parents and students, from health information on how to stay safe, to recreational and cultural activities that can be done at home, as well as resources for teachers who are working remotely. A collection of international materials also helps users to understand the extent of the issue and to be responsible in their daily actions.
https://www.ei-ie.org/en/detail/16718/mexico-education-union-joins-the-fight-against-covid-19//
After the pandemic: the “what”, the “how” and the “who”
(By Guillermo Sullings)
3 April 2020 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - There is much debate about what the world will be like after the pandemic, and we really don’t even know when that will be. It may be that in some countries contagion will peak in a few weeks and then decline, but simultaneously contagion may advance in other nations. We also don’t know if there will be new outbreaks where everything was supposed to be under control. This is a phenomenon that is still developing, and the consequences in the economic and political aspect, which to date are already more serious than those of the 2008 crisis, will ultimately depend on the length of time and the location of the greatest havoc. But if we insist on thinking about what the day after will be like, we will be able to observe some indicators of cracks in the system, which if they go deeper will lead to some winds of change. From the political point of view, we must distinguish between the crisis of the system and the crisis of leadership. We must focus on the crisis of the system and not on the contradictions of circumstantial leaders; and in that sense it is very evident that the neoliberal policies of the last decades have significantly deteriorated healthcare systems, abandoning them to the logic of the market. In this logic, healthcare for the majority is not profitable, prevention is not profitable, and healthcare infrastructure designed for exceptional occasions such as this would not be profitable either. Consequently, all politicians who have promoted or upheld neoliberalism are responsible for the collapse of healthcare, regardless of the level of response they can now provide in the face of the emergency. Looking for analogies, let us say that, if a child’s parents were so unsympathetic and violent as to hurt them and risk their lives, but then alarmed, reacted by taking them to a hospital where they would save their lives, would these parents deserve our applause for that last action or our condemnation for their previous behaviour? Would we assume that after such an eventuality they would change their attitude? Or, would we assume that sooner or later they would repeat their behaviour?
https://www.pressenza.com/2020/04/after-the-pandemic-the-what-the-how-and-the-who//
IPA, WHO and UNICEF launch Read the World on International Children’s Book Day to support children and young people in isolation
2April 2020– Geronimo Stilton author to kickstart exclusive children’s book reading initiative amid COVID-19 pandemic. Much-loved children’s authors are joining an initiative to read extracts of their books to millions of children and young people currently living in isolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the World is a collaboration between the International Publishers Association (IPA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. It kicks off today, on International Children’s Book Day, at 15.00 GMT/17.00 CET with Italian author Elisabetta Dami, creator of the popular character Geronimo Stilton. (…) Elisabetta Dami will read on her personal Instagram account in English from 15.00-15.30 GMT 17.00-17.30 CET. Dami, whose books have sold more than 180 million copies around the world and are published in 50 different languages, will also respond to comments and questions via the platform. Several other noted children’s authors have agreed to join the Read the World initiative, details of which will be available soon at https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/read-the-world (...)
Colombia: Education union creates humanitarian fund to aid health workers and vulnerable sectors
31 March 2020 - In response to the critical situation in Colombia as a result of COVID-19, with millions of people struggling with the self-isolation and quarantine requirements of the pandemic, the Federación Colombiana de Trabajadores de la Educación, FECODE, has created a "Humanitarian Solidarity Fund" to meet the needs of health workers, the educational community, informal workers and the most vulnerable sectors of the population in general. The president of FECODE (a member organisation of Education International), announced on Monday the decision taken by the union's Executive Committee to establish the humanitarian fund with an initial sum of $300 million. Regional unions will contribute to the fund to the extent of their financial capacity. The fund will also be supplemented by donations from FECODE executives, consultants, work teams and staff. FECODE has also called on Colombian teachers to donated one day's pay by authorising a special payroll deduction. In addition, contributions are expected from other sectors, organisations and communities that wish to participate in the Solidarity Fund initiative.
Virus restrictions help build culture of life by respecting others
(By Richard Doerflinger)
31 March 2020 - The rapid spread of the virus, its death toll, its prospect of overwhelming our health care system, its economic consequences burdening so many people’s lives, the need to practice “social distancing” and self-isolation, the uncertainty as to how long it will disrupt our life together — these are valid reasons for worry and anxiety. Like most crises, this one has called forth what is most noble in the human spirit. Priests who are obeying Pope Francis’ call to have courage and continue to visit the sick. The volunteers at my local food bank, who worked out how to keep getting food to the needy while taking all precautions against contagion. The dedicated health care personnel who have exhausted themselves and incurred great risk caring for the sick.
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Good News Agency is published monthly (except August) in English, Italian and Portuguese. Past issues are available at www.goodnewsagency.org . Rome Law-court registration no. 265 dated 20 June 2000. Managing Editor: Fabio Gatti (fabio.gatti@goodnewsagency.org). Editorial research by Fabio Gatti, Isabella Strippoli, Elisa Minelli, Salvatore Caruso Motta, Chiara Damilano, Francesco Viglienghi, Carlo Toraldo, Andrea Landriscina, Nazzarena Franco. Webmaster, media and NGO coverage: Simone Frassanito (simone.frassanito@goodnewsagency.org)
Good News Agency is distributed free of charge through Internet to media and editorial journalists of the daily newspapers and periodical magazines and of the radio and television stations, NGOs, service associations, high schools and colleges as well as over 26,000 Rotarians around the world.
It is an all-volunteer service of Associazione Culturale dei Triangoli e della Buona Volontà Mondiale, a registered, not-for-profit educational charity chartered in Italy in 1979 The Association operates for the development of consciousness and promotes a culture of peace in the ‘global village’ perspective based on unity in diversity and on sharing. It is based in Piazzale degli Eroi 8, 00136 Rome, Italy. The Association is a member of the World Association of Non Governmental Organizations.
* http://decade-culture-of-peace.org/2010_civil_society_report.pdf - In section A - International Organizations, page 12, the Report says: ”Diffusion and exchange of culture of peace information via the Internet has become the major instrument for several international organizations, notably the Culture of Peace News Network, the Good News Agency and the Education for Peace Globalnet.”