Solidarity Secretariat working on Papua New Guinea’s Universal Periodic Report
It was in January 2020, in a meeting between several organizations, we thought of jointly developing the Universal Periodic Report (UPR) of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Christians Brothers, Dominicans for Justice and Peace, International Catholic Centre of Geneva and Marist Brothers – through the Secretariat of Solidarity – we started work on this new project.
In the course of these months we have held several meetings to create a draft of the project, as well as the budget needed to carry it out. At the same time, we have initiated contacts with various agencies in the country. In this way the work begins to develop in different areas: budget preparation, draft activities, contact with the different agencies, contact with other institutions that may join the project, proposals for dates…
This is a project that wishes to work in a network, in coordination with different associations based in Geneva and with representation before the United Nations and those in the field. This type of project, in cooperation, when presented to the permanent missions of the different countries, is more relevant because it is a project supported and developed by several institutions. So, in this way, we Marists – through the advocacy work developed by the General Administration’s Bureau of Solidarity – continue to take steps in the work of Human Rights in different parts of the world.
Another of the steps being taken in recent weeks is concerned with raising funds. To achieve this, FMSI is actively collaborating in the project. Likewise, there is communication with the District of Melanesia, so that relationships and coordination can be as fluid as possible.
In Papua New Guinea, contacts are also taking place with the various local organizations that wish to join the project, as well as between those who are leading the project in Geneva and who have a presence in the country.
In this way, the Bureau of Solidarity, FMSI and the Marist District of Melanesia are meeting for the development of the project. A work through networking, in synergy, between Marists of Champagnat and in collaboration with other congregations and institutions. We go forward as a Global Family in the defence of the Rights of Children.
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Br. Ángel Diego – Director of the Secretariat of Solidarity
Universal Periodic Review – UPR
It is a process carried out by the Human Rights Council (HRC).
It consists of the periodic review of the fulfillment of human rights in each of the member states of the United Nations. This process consists of the following phases:
- The State presents the report about human rights in the country;
- Exam and Interactive Dialogue between the State under review and the States party to the CHR and the observer States
- Adoption of the HRC report – Non-Governmental Organisations can address the State and members of the HRC orally
- The last phase involves both the State and NGOs and National Human Rights Institutes interested in implementing the recommendations.
This process constitutes a cycle that lasts four and a half years, so when this period ends the State is again examined by those who make up the HRC.
FMSI has participated in the elaboration of 44 reports, with the cooperation of other NGOs or alone (13 in America, two in Europe, 13 in Africa, nine in Oceania and seven in Asia).
Secretariat of Solidarity
The Secretariat is a structure created in 2019 by the Marist Institute to encourage, coordinate and strengthen solidarity throughout the Marist world. This Bureau works mainly in the areas of Education in Solidarity, Children’s Rights and Ecology, not forgetting other fields such as Social Work, Project Development, Refugees, Immigrants, Indigenous Peoples..
The Secretariat for Solidarity works closely with other areas of the General Administration, particularly the Secretariat for Education and Evangelization, the Cmi and FMSI. It also coordinates and works jointly with other Religious Congregations (Franciscans, Dominicans, Christian Brothers, La Salle, the 4 branches of the Marist Family…) as well as with other entities (BICE, CCIG, CRC…).