Natural Disaster: Haiti, a very poor nation, has been hit by a massive Earthquake 7.0 on Richter Scale

(Social Justice South Africa)

[English; Afrikaans; français]

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to America's Associated Press (USA; Independent; American) 13 / 01 | January / 2009:

"PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The strongest earthquake in more than 200 years rocked Haiti on Tuesday, collapsing a hospital where people screamed for help and heavily damaging the National Palace, U.N. peacekeeper headquarters and other buildings. U.S. officials reported bodies in the streets and an aid official described "total disaster and chaos."
United Nations officials said hours after the 7.0-magnitude quake struck at 4:53 p.m. that they still couldn't account for a large number of U.N. personnel.
Communications were widely disrupted, making it impossible to get a full picture of damage as powerful aftershocks shook a desperately poor country where many buildings are flimsy. Electricity was out in some places.
Karel Zelenka, a Catholic Relief Services representative in Port-au-Prince, told U.S. colleagues before phone service failed that "there must be thousands of people dead," according to a spokeswoman for the aid group, Sara Fajardo.
"He reported that it was just total disaster and chaos, that there were clouds of dust surrounding Port-au-Prince," Fajardo said from the group's offices in Maryland."

Catholic Relief Services elaborates (Catholic; Subject to USCCB US Bishops; American; questioned over position on condoms, global partners) 12 / 01 | Janurary / 2009 where the article was written; 13 / 01 | January / 2009 more likely time in GMT+2:

"The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti 10 miles southwest of the capital of Port au Prince at 4:53 p.m. Eastern, Tuesday, Jan. 12.

The initial quake was followed by two aftershocks.

Reliable damage and casualty estimates are unavailable at this time. CRS staffers in Baltimore have been in touch with Haiti staff. CRS/Haiti reports that those who remained at the office after 4 p.m. are safe. The condition of other CRS staff is unknown at this time (7:30 p.m. Eastern).

CRS/Haiti reports that cell phone use is unavailable. They communicated with Baltimore via land line. They reported that the CRS office building is still standing, but others, including one near the office, had collapsed. They reported that clouds of dust and smoke surround the city of Port au Prince. Before the phone connection was lost they characterized the situation as choatic, and feared many dead in what they called “a major hit … a direct hit.”

A tsunami watch was issued for Haiti and nearby islands.

CRS will continue to update with information as it becomes available. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Haiti and all CRS/Haiti staff and their loved ones."

The position on information relating to condoms, of the CRS has caused CatholicCulture.org to question their fidelity to the faith, along with some of their global partners:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=2323&repos=2&subrepos=0&searchid=568534

To donate to CRS' efforts to attempt to help Haiti, please follow this link:

https://secure.crs.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3181&3181.donation=form1

Canada: North America: Development and Peace (Caritas Canada)/ Canadian bishops: Funding Abortionist groups in mexico: LifesiteNews

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. archive: 28th of September 2008; LifeSiteNews (Catholic; Independent; Canadian) 12 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Yesterday--2009: 12th day of March--Canada/Mexico--Church organization helps fund abortionist activists--

Those who were shocked when the Australian Government allegedly lifted a ban on giving taxpayers money to abortionistic groupings, will be more shocked to hear that those supporting abortion, and aiming to legitimize it in Mexico, are receiving money given to "Development and Peace" (Caritas Canada): in good conscience. Development and Peace: in the fundraising body of the Canadian Bishops' Conference.

Caritas' Canadian Arm: not only doesn't deny or dispute evidence, that it its supporting pro-abortionist groupings: who are attempting to widen the noose over Mexico: but further admits to having no policy on the issue of abortion: and it is not an issue as to funding an organization, as to whether or not they partake in the killing of unborn children: according to Caritas' Canadian Arm: "Development and peace": who have given money given in good conscience: to the cause of allowing widespread killing of unborn infants in Mexico, Latin America.

"Catholic" support of what the church sees as a Genocide against the rights of the unborn: is often pivotal to the success of abortionists in killing the unborn child. The money given to these organizations, and prestige of working with the church: undoubtedly allows them to donate more resources to legalizing the rip[ping apart, or burning to death of unborn babies.

That many of the worst agents in the world: of the so-called "Culture of Death", are church-going "Catholics" is not surprising. That An SSPX bishop is banned from many churches: while abortionists receive, and desecrate our lord and Savior, at Mass: is shocking and disgusting.

This is not the first time that Canada's Catholic Bishops have directly aided abortionists' agendas. Previously: the Canadian church supported a Canadian march: supporting abortion, and homosexual unions. The "Catholic Womens' League" leadership in Canada: also partook in such, via the same march (archive: 28th of September 2008).

In South Africa: "The Southern Cross", an organization partly owned by the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC): not only regularly attacks the Vatican: when secular news praises it: but has also been caught out fronting abortionist arguments, and supporting contraception, and gay priests.

Aiding abortion: is an activity: which very likely results in the automatic excommunication from the Catholic church: preventing absolution in confession: such spiritual excommunication: needs a special confession and absolution to be lifted.




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EU, Europe: Caritas Spain, Germany: to help Street Children in Ukraine, etc

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit: Spanish (Catholic; Independent; American) 11 / feb / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Spanish arm of Caritas International, and the German Arm: are attempting a three year finance plan for efforts to reintegrate street children in Ukraine, back into society. These face multiple issues, including sexual exploitation. Other focusses of the Spanish Arm of Caritas Internationalis include projects with Caritas in Armenia and Albania.

Some of the Effortis in collaboration with the Ukrainian arm of Caritas, and will focus on children in Kiev, Lviv, Ternopil, Donetsk and Kmelntsky.

The Armenian arm has a special program needing funding to care for the sick and elderly.

Zimbabwe; SADC; Africa: Caritas internationalis asks for US $ 7 million, to help feed Zimbabwe

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit News (Catholic; American based: Global; independent) 09 / 01 / 2009;Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009 (Press Release))

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas internationalis, the Umbrella Organization of over 160 Catholic ethos Charities, worldwide: is calling for US$ 7 million, to be made in donations: for their aid effort in Zimbabwe, where they plan to aid 250 000 (Two Hundred, and Fifty, Thousand), of the 5 000 000 (Five Million), Zimbabweans, estimated to be in danger of dying of malnutrition, and starvation, this is half of the Zimbabwean population.

The Cholera Epidemic, has only had a negative situation on the situation (Social Justice South Africa; South Africa: "Jik For Zim": Local Catholic Project, we were alerted to by the Information Officer of the SACBC 13 / Jan / 2009), with +- 1 700 (One thousand Six Seven hundred) Deaths, and +-36 000 (Thirty Six Thousand) cases reported, on our last checking up on such. A press release, sent out a few days ago, and posted today by us, showed much lower figures, but this is likely due to the rate of increase in infection, or perhaps other factors, as to accuracy.

According to Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009

"A Cholera outbreak over the last five months has killed over 1,700 people with 36,000 cases reported.

Caritas will provide monthly food rations to 164,000 people, 88,800 school children with a midday meal at school, and farming training to 4,600 homes. Caritas will give 16,000 homes access to clean water and provide 5,000 people with basic health care.

Caritas Internationalis Secretary-General Lesley-Anne Knight said, “People will die in Zimbabwe unless they receive urgent humanitarian assistance. At least five million people need food aid but many more are going hungry. The high mortality from Cholera indicates an extreme international emergency."

(Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009 Press Release)

between 7, and 9 out of every ten families battle to survive, many take part in sex work, or sell possessions,
as Caritas Internationalis elaborates:

"A Caritas nationwide survey in October-November 2008 showed that between 70 and 90 percent of families are barely managing to feed themselves. The worst affected areas are Masvingo, Bulawayo and Hwange, followed by Gokwe, Mutare and Gweru, then Harare and Chinhoyi.

Only 5 to 10 percent are receiving food aid. Most are picking wild foods, selling their animals or household items, or carrying out sex work to survive.

Deaths from hunger have been reported and Caritas expects the situation to worsen as the hungry season peaks from January to March. Caritas has reported 200 cases of children fainting at school due to lack of food.

The Caritas appeal with target the most vulnerable people in Zimbabwe such as women- and child-headed households, children, the sick and the elderly. "

(Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; Global; Independent; Humanitarian Group) 09/ Jan / 2009 Press Release)

Donations in this effort, can be made via national organizations of the group, according to Caritas; or possibly via:

http://www.caritas.org/services/donate_now.html

Which Zenit has pointed to, as a way to donate in general.

South Africa, has been accused of not acting against Zimbabwean dictator, Robert Mugabe: despite, the MDC (Movement For Democratic Change), his opposition, having legally won the election, according to South African based, Secular News Station: ENEWSCHANNEL. For more or less eight years now, South Africa has allegedly protected Mugabe from the international community, and has continued doing business with Zimbabwe.

Gaza Strip: palestine: Caritas Jerusalem medical point hit in Gaza strip; children cry, people in freezing weather: and other horrors on the ground

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis (Catholic; international) __/__/__ 12 / Jan / 2009; ; Caritas Aotearoa (Catholic; New Zealand based): speaking via AlertNet (Secular) 12 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas Internationalis, reports, that a local medical point: treating the people of Gaza: set up by Caritas Jerusalem, has been hit, by what they are calling an Israeli F-16 Fighter Jet. It was one of six points in the area. According to reports, given by the humanitarian umbrella organization: people are in dire situations: having lost everything: many stay in schools. There are stories, of three to a blanket, in "freezing" cold, and of the trauma experienced by children. A quote given from a source on the ground, as Caritas Jerusalem continues to work: feeding 3 000, having given many medical supplies to hospitals; and taking care of minor needs: they say: that Israel has given them the three hour daily window: when they should have given them a door.

A representative of the Humanitarian Organization: Caritas Internationalis: says:

"Thankfully, since all of the families from the homes had already fled the violence and were staying in various schools in the district, nobody was hurt in the bombing.

Indeed, the day after the bombing took place another medical clinic was destroyed by another Israeli bomb. On Saturday, a clinic run by the Middle Eastern Council of Churches in Al-Shuja’ia, east of Gaza City was completely destroyed by another fighter jet.

Not only now have Caritas Jerusalem lost one of their six local medical points in Gaza, but the people of Maghazi are temporarily without medical support and over $10,000 worth of medical equipment was destroyed. Caritas Jerusalem staff are now struggling to stretch their operations to Maghazi from the existing point at Al Mosaddar.

The bombing at the clinic comes at a time when medical supplies are severely depleted throughout Gaza. Since the medical points had decided to focus on minor injuries, thereby freeing up the hospitals for more serious cases, Caritas Jerusalem had already shared much of its stock of equipment to four hospitals. These include such essentials as adrenaline, syringes and alcohol. As the Caritas outlets come under severe pressure, the strain on the already-overloaded hospitals will only worsen.

Fr Manuel Musallam, the Parish Priest of Gaza, said in a telephone conversation from Beit Hanoun this morning, “There are dead bodies lying on the streets. The clinics are carrying out operations on the floor and women have no place to give birth.”"

(Caritas Internationalis' blog 12 / Jan / 2009)

Conflict in the Gaza Strip reemerged, after Terrorist grouping: Hamas: launched too many missiles into Israel, having shot first, after a 6 month ceasefire: causing public opinion in Israel to favor a counterstrike of the current proportion, or of lesser proportion: so as to stop rocket strikes against Israeli civilians. Israel's government, which was seen as too "soft" on the Gaza Strip issue, by many in Israel, was spurred on by public anxiety: with rocket-fire being aimed at their civilians: so as to launch an assault on the Gaza Strip: not controlled by the Palestinian government: but by Hamas. Israel has been accused of "disproportionate" force: in their response to the attack: by Caritas Internationalis, who also condemn rocket strikes into Israeli: by Hamas (An acronym in Arabic for: Islamic Resistance Movement).

"Project Caritas", the South African wing of Caritas Internationalis, along with other groups,such as the South African Council of Churches, the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (whose fund raising organization "Project Caritas" is), and even with partnership in the effort by COSATU (which is a controversial trade union, and has been implicated somewhat, as possibly not unbiased in this: by certain views expressed: against Israel, and in other matters, which cause many not to agree with them, in calls by their leader of being prepared to "Kill" for a Mr. Zuma; and by previous insults of the Ten Commandments, by Union Members, attempting to justify adultery), and the government: have collaboratively arranged for a humanitarian flight to get urgent, medically focused aid into the Gaza Strip. To donate to this c.f. : Joint SACC/SACBC Statement on SA Humanitarian Relief to Gaza 12 / Jan / 2009.

Statements,in a press release, we received by email, inform of what this mainly is focussed on:

"Key items to be dispatched as part of the relief operations include medical equipment, medical supplies, medicines, bottled water, food, baby milk, high energy and protein supplements, mattresses and blankets. These items would be purchased in South Africa from financial contributions made to the various groups involved in the appeal.

It has been agreed that Project Caritas, the official fund raising campaign of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) for humanitarian disaster relief would co-ordinate the Emergency Appeal on behalf of the South African Council of Churches."

(: Joint SACC/SACBC Statement on SA Humanitarian Relief to Gaza 12 / Jan / 2009)

Caritas Aotearoa (New Zealand branch): recently pledged $ 50 000 (probably their version of dollars, but it does not add NZ in front, so possibly, even likely, it is perhaps: actual dollars) to the situation, and Caritas Internationalis has asked for NZ $3.5 million to deal with the situation.

Caritas Jerusalem is doing work on the ground.

Here is a report from Caritas Aotearoa, on their efforts, and Caritas work on the ground (unrecognized characters were in the original, it was probably saved as the wrong format, on Alertnet):

"Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Director Mike Smith said its sister agency, Caritas Jerusalem, has a long established involvement in Gaza. Caritas Jerusalem will undertake the following:
� provide primary health care services and post-operative out-patient care to Gaza residents through its Caritas Medical Centre, mobile clinic and 6 medical points � assist 4 of the Gaza hospitals in dealing with the crisis, through the provision of medicines and supplies, including 2 ICU ambulances � provide supplementary food parcels to 4,000 families � provide hygiene kits to 2,000 families � provide financial support in the form of cash to 2,000 families and � provide blankets to 1,000 families.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand calls for an immediate ceasefire, asking both the Israeli military to cease its attacks on Gaza and Hamas to end its rocket attacks. Caritas Director Michael Smith said "An immediate permanent ceasefire is needed to enable the sick and wounded to be adequately treated. Innocent people are suffering and humanitarian assistance is desperately needed.""

(Caritas Aotearoa (Catholic; New Zealand based): speaking via AlertNet (Secular) 12 / Jan / 2009)

Caritas Internationalis is the umbrella organization of over 160 humanitarian organizations worldwide. It is a mainly Catholic relief organization, but employs, and helps persons of other backgrounds also.

Gaza Strip/Israel: Middle East; Eurasia: United nations Operating again

(Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

With GPS co-ordinate sharing, and a guarantee from Israel: the United Nations (UN), has decided to re-enter into humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip. Israel says it will withdraw, when their citizens are safe from terrorism: manifested in rocket-fire into Israel. Both sides, have: as was to be expected: rejected a UN Security Council: call for immediate ceasefire: Israel called this impractical; and with an American Abstention: there really is no reason, practically speaking, except a withdrawal by Hamas: or negotiations which they see as beneficial: for real hope of these efforts to cause Israel to withdraw: as American support, and the pleas of support of their terrorized population: of the operation: means more to Israel; that the United Nations combined.

Caritas Internationalis lauds the 3 hour breaks in bombings, by Israel; however, they want Israel to stop using a "disproportionate" amount of force, but rather, from their statement: it seems: for Israel: to protect their borders proportionately, and they desire rocket-fire from Hamas (actually an acronym in Arabic of "Islamic Resistance Movement") to stop. They have called the UN Human Rights Council: in Geneva; to investigate both sides under International Humanitarian Law.

They also desire a permanent ceasefire on both sides.

A flight to Israel, with humanitarian medical supplies for those in Gaza: arranged by Catholic, society, and government in South Africa: should arrive around January 20th. To contribute to this: there are details here:

http://southafricancatholic.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-help-those-in-gaza-press-release.html

Caritas Internationalis; among others call for investigation, and permanent ceasefire

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas internationalis (Catholic; independent; humanitarian organization) 09 / 01 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas Internationalis, an Umbrella organization of Catholic relief organizations: has called for an investigation of actions of both sides in the conflict in the Gaza Strip: asking that all violations of International Law on both sides: be investigated: and that Israel stop using a "disproportionate" amount of force to protect themselves, and Hamas stop rocket fire into the Gaza Strip. It has called both sides to respect International Law.

In Catholic doctrine, there is a proportionate amount of force, which one can use to protect themselves. Caritas Internationalis makes this request, for an investigation: to the United Nations Human Rights Council, in Geneva, Switzerland. They have said that the three hour lapses in bombings, by Israel, are a start, but that a permanent ceasefire is needed in the area.

South Sudan; North Africa: Ugandan "Lord's Resistance Army": accused of attacking Sudanese villagers

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular; British; Independent) 08 / Jan / 2009 ; BBC World News (Secular; British; Government) 01 / Jan / 2009 )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Western Equatoria, a region in southern Sudan, has accused the Ugandan LRA (Lord's Resistance Army): of killing 38 Sudanese villagers (accusations are by the governor of the area: Jemma Nunu Kumba). The LRA has recently been pushed back from positions in the Congo. Caritas Internationalis: a humanitarian grouping: claims that about 400 people were killed in LRA raids over the Christmas period, including many in a Catholic Church.

Accusations of dismemberment, the bashing of a baby against a tree, and throwing a man in a fire, are just some of these surfacing from South Sudanese authorities. Ugandan, Congolese (DRC), and southern Sudanese troops were involved in recent offensives against the LRA. After a brief silent period in December, ending with offenses against the Ugandan Rebels: who have displaced about 2 million Ugandan civilians, and whose leaders are wanted in the Hague (International Criminal Court) for war crimes: The LRA, has since been accused of a spate of brutal, even primitive massacres of civilians.

Many of their outposts in the DRC, have been irradiated in bombings, but their leadership(including:their elusive commander: Joseph Kony), which is wanted for trial in the International Criminal Court(ICC): have yet to be caught.

Recently, the BBC, reported of fears that the LRA, were heading towards CAR, after the recent offenses against them in a national park (Garamba).

Media Study SA: Advancement of Catholic Media in Technology area:Vatican chooses Google to search, and Scripturelink launches new search engines

(MEDIA STUDY SOUTH AFRICA; c.f. Lifesitenews 19/Dec/2008; Scripturelink Search Engine 22/12/2008 (Vatican II Search engine); 22/12/2008 (Vatican/ etc Bible search); 22/12/2008(Catechism Search); __/__/__; Caritas Internationalis (discovered and emailed to us by google) 21/Dec/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

One of the defining features of our founding site, the Scripturelink Search Engine: was our Google search for the Vatican. Fortunately, the Vatican has now joined the search engine race: using a custom Google search engine to search their site. This according to LifeSiteNews.

Our own service, has of its own initiative, also decided to upgrade our search services: extending existing, but relatively unknown services. Vatican II can now be searched from a unique page, in 9 or ten languages, depending how many languages the Vatican has translated documents into: with the advantage of being able to search each document separately.

Further, we now search the Vatican's choice of bible, on their site, in four languages: English, Spanish, Latin, and Italian: with instructions on each: further: this search feature allows users to choose to search in one or all languages. Our Catechism, and Catechism Compendium engine mentioned below, also has this function: to search in the language you choose, out of those available.

We also now can search either the Catechism, or Catechism Compendium of the Catholic church, in all 13 languages in which one or the other are published on the Vatican site, in another new page, extending an existing small engine designed only to search the English version, then updated, and given a page on our site. We have also created Google gadgets for both our news headlines, as appearing on the sides of our sites, and a Google gadget of the Scripturelink Search engine (search for "South African Catholic" and scroll down).

Caritas Internationalis has also updated their website, unless we are picking up old Google alerts.

Basically, it seems, many Catholic sites, are advancing in technology. This is good. We do however need prayers when Google plans to transfer Pages sites into "sites", here, we may need to relaunch our entire scripturelink engine, and 15 other sites we have hosted with them: due to a lack of javascript in existing versions of "sites".

Basically, this is an issue where prayer is applicable. Radio Veritas, whom we have been in talks with, is also possibly one step closer to a license apart from their Satellite Television broadcast, again, prayers are needed: to place them on the radio waves in South Africa.

Africa- Great Lakes Region-DRC-Congo- Goma Violence continues- claims of looting of refugee camps, and torching of these surface!

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. CNN (Secular) 31/10/08- thanks to a friend for pointing this out to me; IHT (Secular) 21/11/06; BBC World News 29/10/08)

CNN, like other news services is reporting on the harsh situation in the Kivu region around Goma. They have mentioned that there are reports being investigated, of camps being burnt. They note of 1 000 000 people who have fled Congo's violence.

We have already noted in previous articles, that even before this- camps had reached capacity- and many, even thousands- of the desperate refugees were having to find shelter elsewhere. Recently, when food aid was once again given out- a fence was scrambled over, and those being aided almost stampeded in a quest for the food. Catholic Relief Services, and many others have been forced to withdraw from the immediate area, to safer areas in the Congo. They (CRS) will still be supplying aid in Goma, but via the structures of Caritas Internationalis. Organizations such as Caritas Internationalis- are still doing a large portion of the work on the ground- via use of locals to distribute food to thousands, and also by tactical distribution of other products to ensure life- such as hygiene products, and blankets.

Rwanda, who the BBC (See one of our previous articles for c.f. or see link to BBC above), noted that the UN have reported to have been implicated somewhat in violence:

Rwandan troops shot at UN attack forces- at a helicopter, deny claims of being instrumental in this violence, or of responsibility for it. The fighting seems shockingly to involve the same two tribal groups who were involved in the Rwandan Genocide- the Rebels in Congo are of the tribe which was attacked in the Genocide, they claim to be protecting their tribe against "Rwandan Rebels" they claim are in the area. The conflict however is not ethnic, people of every group are dying or starving or fleeing because of the actions of the rebels, and there is no real visible presence of any enemy which they claim to be fighting, except the Congolese army, and the United Nations. The Rwandan president has still refused to appear before a French court for the death of his predecessor, whose death is widely thought to have been the Catalyst for the Rwandan genocide. Instead, French is now no longer an official language in Rwanda.

The British Minister to Africa, believes that the world risks another Rwanda in the DRC, if correct actions are not guided into place. France wants to send in thousands of EU troops to aid the situation, but this requires co-operation in Europe.

Violence is taking place during crop planting season- this means there will not be crops planted in the affected areas this year- resulting in threats to food security. Many have lost everything in recent weeks, and soldiers on both sides have been accused of human rights violations, as the Congolese government gradually loses control of their troops. A barely holding peace treaty is barely maintaining peace in the region, with some fighting continuing after dark.

DRC- Congo- Kivu Region- Catholic Relief Services pulls two relif workers out of country. Only grass roots organizations like Caritas Internationalis still easily operate in wartorn region

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic News Service 30/10/08; Caritas Internationalis 30/10/08; BBC World News (Secular) 29/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Catholic Relief Services has pulled two relief workers out of the DRC into neighboring Rwanda- due to unsafe conditions of operation, however they claim this is an isolated event, and not a general withdrawal. The Relief workers can't wait to get back to the CRS headquarters in the southern Congo, where the organization's efforts are based.

In recent days a UN peace-keeper helicopter was shot at, purportedly, if UN sources quoted by the BBC (29/10/08) are to be taken as accurate- not by rebels, but by Rwandan troops, and DRC troops have been noted as shooting across the border when they saw weapons fire. The BBC's representation- noted exchanges of fire. Rwanda denies involvement in the conflict. Rebels however claim to have a purpose of fighting Rwanda's own claimed rebels they claim to be in the Congo. We cannot verify any of these claims, by the Rebels.


Caritas Internationalis is appealing for an end to violence. After a recent cease fire called for by rebel forces, and a UN condemnation of rebel activities, as rebels have attacked UN troops- there was still the sounds of gunfire under the shadows of the dark African night.

Caritas Internationalis needs better conditions to ensure 16 000 persons who they are supplying with food necessities get this. Other organizations, including Catholic Relief Services, are appealing western governments to intervene diplomatically. Much of the important work on the ground, however- is still being done by Caritas Internationalis, whose use of local grassroots people has enabled them to continue operations where some other organizations have needed to reassess the aid they are giving. Both Catholic Relief Services, who are appealing for US diplomatic support, and Development and Peace (who are asking the Canadian government for intervention), plan to use Caritas Internationalis in order to supply needs in the Goma Region, where Caritas has structures still in place.

Sites of those mentioned for their aid of efforts:

Caritas Internationalis
Catholic Reflief Services
Development and Peace

Caritas Internationalis- Pakistan- Emergency Assessments taking place after earthquake kills hundreds

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis 29/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In the early hours of this morning, an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale, hit Southwest Pakistan. The death toll, at the time Caritas Internationalis published this fact, was already in the hundreds, and is expected to rise. The humanitarian organization has a good track record, and well trained staff in Pakistan, where in 2005 they responded to another major earthquake, which hit the north of the country. The organization is (At the time they published this fact) doing Emergency Assessments of the situation, before deciding on how best to act in response to this disaster.

Pakistan is currently in a civil war, with rebels suspected to have ties with the Taliban, and Al Qaeda. The government does not have enough resources to adequately take care of its people according to the BBC.

Caritas Internationalis- The weekend's and week's fighting- is at time when fields are used to sow crops, refugee camps past capacity- needs desperate

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis 28/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella body of over 160 Catholic aid agencies, is asking, as they had at earlier stages for a desperate 1.5 million US dollars, in order to supply basics, such as blankets, or hygiene products, to over 90 000 people, in the Eastern DRC. Refugee camps have breached capacity, as another 30 000 people are heading for Goma, as two more towns fell to foreign backed Kivu rebels.

Refugees are sleeping at relatives, schools and government buildings- as humanitarian organizations are ill-funded to adequately sort out this problem, and as the UN task team continues to lose ground against the Human Rights abusing, criminal rebels, who recently broke an UN sponsored peace treaty.

As the situation continues to worsen- Caritas Internationalis is warning of lack of food and water, and hygiene necessities among refugees. There have already been several outbreaks of disease this year, worsened by combatants raiding the medical supplies of humanitarian organizations.

Caritas Internationalis, who have a proven record of dealing with, and stabilizing humanitarian situations, and of supporting the poor- claiming that their work is "Justice, not Charity", in their motto- have warned that until areas are secured, refugees cannot return to their villages- also they have noted the dire fact, that these battles will prevent crops being planted when they should be- and help contribute to food security problems in the region. They are asking for the world to mobilize, and for those responsible for this infringement on Congo's sovereignty, and on human rights and dignity- to be held responsible for their unspeakable actions.

Caritas Internationalis- Europe- Spain- statistics indicate possible 50% rise in those in poverty in spain by end of year, due to International Financial Crisis

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis 23/10/08)

Article By Marc Aupiais

Caritas Spain estimates that the amount of people needing help by the end of the year will have increased by a ratio of half the people needing help in 2007. Caritas Sain has helped support more than 1 000 000 people in Spain, with over 55 000 volunteers.

Social Justice South Africa- DRC- Congo-Caritas- Appeal for 440 000 dollars- as Ugandan "Lords Resistance Army" continues human rights abuses, burning villages, and committing other attrocities

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis 16/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas Internationalis is desperately asking for urgent aid of $440 000 in order to supply 4 000 people with blankets, clothes, cooking utensils, and hygiene items. The so-called "Lord's Resistance Army", based in foreign Uganda has been raping villagers, burning villages, and killing innocent civilians since September, despite a January ceasefire.

Recently- Caritas appealed for aid for 90 000 people already affected by the conflict between the government of the country, and the rebels- famous for their use of child soldiers, who are kidnapped and brainwashed.

The Ugandan based Rebels are known for their abuses of human rights- against Congolese civilians. The LRA is only one of the horrific factors which have prompted a burst in conflict, and civilian casualties over the past months.

Many of these displaced civilians- brothers and sisters of ours in their shared humanity- like many refugees, such as the Christians, currently victim to a genocide in India- are facing the dangers that nature has to offer those without basics needed for survival. Caritas Internationalis is well known for their abilities when it comes to ensuring the best use of resources. Caritas Internationalis will be using the funds to aid civilians.

UNHCR- UN continues to fail in meeting basic needs of many refugees- and this is a source of conflict

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The United Nations Hight Commissioner of Refugees,Antonio Guterrez, at the 59th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, stated that the UN efforts continue to fail in dealing with displaced peoples and with food needs, and that this is feeding hostilities and wars.

Agenzia Fides- Humanitarian situation in DRC continues to worsen

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f.
Agenzia Fides 09/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The situation in North Kivu DRC, continues to worsen each day- and humanitarian organizations, including Caritas Internationalis are continuing to try to aid with the limited funds they have.

Often- to even get to refugees, one must enter the country by a dangerous route from from neighboring Rwanda. The aid of many is left directly to missionaries and the church, as many issues continue to prevent any real relief from the civil war in the country, and from its effects.

It is confirmed on the ground that many people in affected areas also
have dangerous health conditions.

A positive aspect- is that some children are being taught in schools again!

Caritas Internationalis- Child Trafficking still a Major Problem

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Caritas Internationalis 10/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Caritas Internationalis is once again appealing for the rights of the most vulnerable- this time the endangered children vulnerable and taken hostage to child trafficking.

Members of the umbrella organization will appeal to the EU members in Paris on the 16th of October 2008, to put more effort into this utterly necessary task- of combating these horrific violations of human dignity.

Millions of people are taken hostage and trafficked as slaves each year- children are especially vulnerable to the diabolical snares of this horror.

Congo- citizens don't get profits from fuel production, focus on poor- bishops

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia fides 03/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Catholic Bishops in Congo- find it sad that average citizens don't profit from the proceeds of one of the largest fuel producing economies in Africa. They have asked for focus on the poor of this country- who suffer terribly, some missing a day's worth of food regularly (once a week), and were many die from many diseases in their poverty. Efforts involves studies by Caritas.

Germany- Vatican calls for end of forceably sterializing gypsies- and for better education of gypsies

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Hermitage Report , c.f. Zenit News Service)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Practices by governments, of treating those of an oft marginalized ethnic community- Gypsies like stray dogs- and sterilizing Gypsy women forceably, have been lambasted by the Vatican. Such practices, which as we pointed out about UN, Chinese, American and other efforts at reducing third world birth rates, are Genocide (article 2 section d- UN declaration- c.f. Ireland Archibishop- Watch who you impact -Press release was on markets and the need for social aspects to be viewed by Business, government).

The Vatican has further called for an end to separate "Gypsy Schools", which marginalize the group further. They claim that sterilizing Gypsy women has the horrid impact- to destabilize these ethnic groups' concept of family.

The actual exhortations to governments come from the 6th World Congress for the Pastoral Care of Gypsies's final document, as suggested by the Church, from a meeting in Freising, which is in Germany. The congress took place from the 1st to the 4th of September 2008.

The church is asking Caritas Internationalis and Humanitarian groups to help them identify which gypsy groups have the best chance of using such- so as to issue loans, and monitor these- to such groups. Caritas, well known for their successes, and concept of Justice, not Charity- of their work- is the Umbrella Organization for over 160 Catholic Charities. The Delgates emphasized the need this marginalized community has of a living, universal- caring, Catholic church in their lives, which could help them overcome difficulties with it's firm foundation as a support in their often suffering lives.

The full text is available at:
http://www.zenit.org/article-23779?l=english