Commission on Human Rights, 2004
Since 1996, Franciscans International has worked actively at
the annual session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, both
advocating for the rights of the poor and marginalized and forming
our Franciscan brothers and sisters in human rights mechanisms.
The strength of Franciscans International’s advocacy at
the Commission on Human Rights is the testimony of Franciscans
that come annually to Geneva to testify on behalf of the poor
and marginalized with whom they work. During the past six sessions
of the Commission, FI has built its credibility from reliable,
accurate, firsthand information from grassroots Franciscans.
Most of FI's work is based upon projects, which incorporate
advocacy and research. During the Commission, we influence
outcomes by:
Voicing our concerns in the text of resolutions, on issues
important to Franciscans (such as the 2002 Resolution on
Trafficking in Human Beings);
Providing credible, firsthand, up-to-date information
to decision-makers from our brothers and sisters who live
with the poor and marginalized whose human rights are too
often violated; and
Raising the awareness of the international community
about human rights issues important to Franciscans.
Formation
For the brothers and sisters that come to the Commission, as
experts on the issues of their own work, but perhaps not with
experience lobbying at the international (or domestic) level,
FI seeks to contribute to their ongoing formation. Since the
FI team is present year-round in Geneva not only for the Commission,
but also for the meetings of the six Treaty Bodies (such as
the Committee against Torture) and other human rights forums
(such as the Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery),
it is able to work with brothers and sisters to help articulate
their concerns to the UN system. We like to think of ourselves
as a service for the entire Franciscan Family, which any Franciscan
can utilize.
We explain the UN human rights system, including the
Commission.
We provide other formalized training and a great deal
of original, useful, annually updated information such as
our Human Rights Handbook.
We stage meetings with representatives of other NGOs,
diplomats, UN officials and the international media to provide
them with an opportunity to share knowledge and experience.
Statements:
FI Position Paper for the Commission on Human Rights
New Horizons Franciscans International inaugurates its third office in Bangkok, Thailand. The office will serve the needs of the Franciscan Family working at the grassroots in the Asia-Pacific.
P.O. Box 104 • 1211 Geneva
20 •
Switzerland • TEL +41 (22) 919-4010 • geneve@fiop.org
211 East 43rd St., Room 1100 • New York, NY 10017-4707 • USA • TEL
+1 (212) 490-4624 • newyork@fiop.org
