Vatican to UN- Malaria still a threat- poor need treatment

(Social justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit News Service 21/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Permanent observer of the Vatican to the United Nations- has highlighted the plight of millions, who contract malaria each year. At least two people die every sixty seconds from a disease which is preventable. The Vatican is concerned that the poor are missing out on being cured of a curable disease, and have asked for further efforts in this field.

World Bank- Financial Crisis will create 100 million new poor people- majority in Africa

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 14/10/08)

According to the President of the world bank- the First World (Developed World) Financial Crisis will force another 100 million people, majority being in Africa- into poverty. This is as analysts estimate that 607 billion dollars are hidden in foreign bank accounts, having been stolen from the African people via fraud and other activities. This is enough to pay off African nations' debts, but due to rampant corruption- the poor continue to be abused on the continent- as western nations continue to neglect forcing a raising of standards by those they trade with.

The milk crisis, and use of child labor in many Asian Nations, are a direct result of western Negligence. Africa has a very similar, unnatural situation- due to western powers refusing to solve the route causes of problems, as the Vatican also has recently asked them to do, with issues involving conflict.

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.

Ireland Archibishop- Watch who you impact -Press release was on markets and the need for social aspects to be viewed by Business, government

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

Article By Marc Aupiais

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has asked for a business, government and market mentality which not only pursues profit, but focuses on the social impact of decisions. He states that the gambles taken by representatives of large firms, take as a surety- the average person who is affected by bad or good decisions.

If one person digs a whole in the boat, to quote our Jewish Brothers- it affects everyone in the boat.

This is specially applicable in South Africa, where business, and government- often does not focus on the impact they have on the longterm economy or their citizens. A notable impact is efforts at promoting contraception by "Love Life", statistics from America, broadcast by EWTN, and mirrored by observations of the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights, show that often contraceptive education, and promotion of contraceptive methods of fighting disease- have been shown to backfire- with disease levels increasing. Case in point South Africa- we have the largest rate of some diseases- despite apparent efforts by government. On facebook recently was an irritating advert- leading to a questionnaire- "World Contraception Day". I wonder if the results of that will be used, and if it will be mentioned that it was advertised in such a way that the religious from groups such as ours would not click on it except accidentally. I also wonder what effect this will have on facebook users- in a country where pre-marital sex is so common- and along with it the consequences.

The Pill, for instance reduces chances of pregnancy (Not that NFP isn't just about as, if not more effective)- it also drastically increases chances of every kind of Sexual Disease. It seems our biggest issue is a societal disease- we answer everything with devices and abortions- rather than attempting to actually trust people to do the better thing.

I await the day when we teach people how to more safely use cocaine- after all, "it's better than if they did it outside the law, and encountered more danger!"

Oddly, when we create such atmospheres about things- it seems we don't really cure the problem- more abortions for one thing occur now that it is legal- than before hand. Democratic Candidate Borak Obama in the US, voted to let survivors of Abortion die if they could make it- while in England- the many of the more legislative pro-abortionists want to allow abortion right until birth.

Oddly those who call themselves pro-choice- often neither respect the choice of the child- nor that of the doctors and nurses forced by "pro-choice" legislation- to go against their choice and conscience, and be excommunicated from the Catholic church, or seemingly to break South African, and other nation's Law!

Genocide, according to the United Nations is:

"Article 2

In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

(a) Killing members of the group;

(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."
(Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

Approved and proposed for signature and ratification or accession by
General Assembly resolution 260 A (III) of 9 December 1948

entry into force 12 January 1951, in accordance with article XIII)
http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/p_genoci.htm

I wonder if efforts to radically reduce the populations of third world countries can fall under this?

It seems- rather than genocide we call efforts such as this "prudence", or other such things- the truth is- we desire more resources for ourselves- it does not always fit our interests to have larger population- nor do we often seem as a culture- to care if certain conditions are afflicted on others.

Now, we need to consider- is the answer to world population Article 2 section (D), or can we actually allow aid to the undeveloped world, and education about morals to developed and undeveloped world alike- things that seem to work quite well if we look into history. Instead- we choose to inflict on populations a sort of section d option- is it right? I don't know- but in the past it was labled as Genocide- have we had so universal a group of changes to our view on the subject, and can we ignore documentation which is still under enactment?

Perhaps the UN's general laws are interpretable- otherwise we need to stop these campaigns to end such disease, and stop wars, and problems over resources- by section d of the Genocide definition. Can we continue to solve the world's problems, by reducing what the world means?

Vatican installs Solar Power

(Social Justice South Africa;c.f. CathNews;Catholic News Service (CNS) ;BBC; AP; IHT)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Solar panels for the Paul VI auditorium are being installed, with Holy Father- Pope Benedict XVI- emphasising the utmost importance of protecting the environment. Donated by "Solar World", the 2 700 solar panels, used in temperature control and lighting- will save 70 tons of oil, however from the quotations we are unsure of the period in which this will take place, and how often this will occur.

Another group, Planktos Inc (US Firm), along with- KlimaFa Ltd (Hungary) are restoring 600 aches of wood in Hungary and donating the carbon credits to the Vatican.

The German Holy Father- is known for his encouragement of ecological action- to aid our world's natural heritage.

Pope appeals youth- Don't destroy planet- Ecotourism helps the most needy- Papal Summer Residence- Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo

(Social justice South Africa; c.f. Vatican Information Service (VIS); Agenzia Fides)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI- on the 27th of September stated, at World Tourism Day 2008, at the Papal summer residence in- Castelgandolfo- that correct management of the environment is not only moral but beneficial, and necessary. He noted something he called "social tourism"(VIS 27/09/08)(Agenzia Fides 29/9/2008), and that environmental responsibility is not only part of a healthy economy- but beneficial to those who practice it prudently.

Congo- not to be in 63rd General Assembly- due to fighting in their country

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Agenzia Fides (25/9/2008)is reporting that The Congo's president and representative will not go to the UN general assembly in light of the crisis in the country.

Days ago- Caritas International reported human rights abuses, raiding of medical facilities by combatants, and other issues such as arbitrary arrest in the Eastern DRC. Agenzia Fides states that the Government along with the UN task team in the country are now involved in conflicts with rebels near the Rwandan border, and against the LRA near the Ugandan border, who have apparently kidnapped dozens of children. Africa is famous for its child soldiers, and many problems.

The government has cited the same peace agreement mentioned by Caritas a few days ago- in which all combatants agreed to a withdrawal, and have apparently sent urgent aid shipments to camps and affected areas.

This follows calls by Caritas International days ago for Humanitarian channels to be reopened and a ceasefire implimented.

Condoms could increase disease- percentage goes up with awareness/"protection program"

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; Catholic League - For Civil And Religious Rights)
Article By Marc Aupiais
Quotation from Catholic League

Direct Quotation from a Catholic League Article- they permit their articles to be distributed with correct attribution!
"September 18, 2008

Do Condoms Increase STDs?

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office yesterday released the annual Mayor’s Management Report. It shows that the Health Department gave away 39,070,000 male condoms to community groups in fiscal year 2008, which ended June 30. News story are reporting that this figure is more than double the rate from the previous fiscal year.

What is not being discussed by the media, however, is what the data show regarding the incidence of syphilis: while the distribution of condoms increased by 120 percent in one year, the number of syphilis cases increased by 20 percent.

If condoms are the answer to STDs, then syphilis cases should have declined markedly. The fact that syphilis cases spiked should prove sobering. But, alas, New York City has learned absolutely nothing: next year it plans to distribute 51.6 million condoms. Watch for the rate of STDs to increase as well.

Do condoms increase STDs? It would be difficult to prove that they do, though it is entirely possible that the promiscuous distribution of condoms by government agencies fosters a climate of complacency, one ill-suited to inducing the virtue of self-restraint. One thing is for sure: condom distribution does not curb STDs. Indeed, Mayor Bloomberg is perpetuating a dangerous hoax on young people by ratcheting up condom distribution—even when it is crystal clear that this policy is backfiring."
http://www.catholicleague.org/chatterbox.php?#177

How is it, that South Africa, with the biggest pro-condom program I know of- has one of the highest aids and Sexual Diseases rates- perhaps this is because condoms- as the bible says (c.f. Onan's death; Deuteronomy 23 v 1,2; etc)and the Church says (Humane Vitae), condoms are evil- the use of them is a mortal sin- so perhaps what is evil causes evil as is to be expected. After all- forming the atmosphere of false safety that people do- or teaching children to wear condoms instead of abstaining- generally makes them think they've been given a licence- especially when you give them certificates for it.

Perhaps we need an end of this condom distribution, a start of valuing marriage, and a real input into giving out medication- not items of sin!

Caritas Appeals Successful

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

Article by Marc Aupiais

Recent appeals by Caritas, as guests invited to a UN summit have paid off, with pledges of about 16 billion dollars in aid to developing nations and such causes.

Caritas notes- they don't need to hear from the UN about poverty- Caritas deals with the poor daily.

President of Caritas, Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga- said that the pledges are needed to address the impact of climate change on the poorest communities: but notes that the Millennium Development goals, are still decades off the path in Sub-Saharan Africa and other places. Last year aid from the G7 reduced by 1 percent (excluding debt relief), not much- except that when aid is reduced by such in such a large scale- one in a hundred people who were supported, will no longer be entitled to this. The organization of Catholic Charities can't comprehend how 700 billion dollars is so easily requested in the US for a lost gamble by banks- but 10 000 000 children dying on a yearly rate, of causes that are so easily prevented- do not get the label of crises.

This comes following the proposed 700 billion dollar bailout of US banking giants.

The relatively small contributions however will help the continent. They will also go to some extent of fulfilling promises neglected largely by rich nations to the developing world.

Congo wars continue... despite peace perception

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

Article by Marc Aupiais

A recent escalation of previously calmer hostilities in the Eastern DRC, has resulted in about 100 000 persons being displaced, adding to the already 1 000 000 displaced since January 2007.

Reports of clashes report Human Rights Abuses, accompanying battles- including rape, torture and in addition to this there are reports of arbitrary arrest. Caritas has asked for a ceasefire and the opening of safe routes to those affected, for humanitarian organizations. Unfortunately a recent outbreak of disease in camps- has been met without adequate resources due to looting of medical facilities by combatants.

Despite their acceptance of a peace agreement to withdraw already 9 days ago (17 September), the Congolese government, among others- has continued war efforts. This agreement was signed and accepted, as organised with UN aid- by all parties who agreed to withdrawal. Caritas is attempting to assess the situation in the country prior further action.

Caritas on Development goals

(Social Justice South Africa; C.f. Zenit)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, of Caritas- the Catholic aid Umbrella organization, as one of Caritas' representatives invited by the UN to a congress on climate change and development, as guests, asked that political leadership be found in the UN for goals- as the division of the world into third and first world, and the greed of a few- in which he refers to the situation in his own country- are damaging the existence of a vast majority.

He said that emissions by First World Nations- which are thought of as a cause to climate change are to the detriment of Third World Nations.

South Africa's new president- no general election!

(Scripturelink Voters guide; c.f. E News Channel)

Article By Marc Aupiais

With a quarter of Parliament voting for the DA's candidate over the ANC's, and an oddly chummy atmosphere given by the MF and IFP- towards the ANC over the past few days- the ANC has gotten their way with a new president.

The PAC used this to appeal to get some of their members out of jail- while some opposition parties used this to cannibalize on their fellows for ANC approval.

The way in which the ID allied with the ANC in the past against the DA- was not overly present today- rather- they brought attention to the facts- and asked for justice over the arms deal. The DA- using their Democratic right sent forth their own, black candidate to combat the election- where 400 people alone got to choose our president. The spunk of the opposition is to admired- sadly many of the parties, including the so-called ACDP- seemed more interested in praying for the new "President" to have wisdom, or in telling stories than in bringing up how irregularly this procedure occurred. Some brought up that Mbeki was being fired- not for being guilty of crime- but for mere insinuation by a judge not judging him.

The factional infighting of the ANC- which is so damaging our Nation's image was credited by some for this quick election.

With many spoiled papers and absent parliamentarians- this new election is truly a sad manifestation of both the power of one political party- one which a Catholic cannot justly vote for- due to their connection with the communist party and support of abortion- but also of how politics have degraded our nation.

The speaker and others insulted some speakers as I watched- and when one parliamentarian spoke- there were false roaring sounds in the crowd of parliamentarians. This reminds one of the disrespect shown once when a DA parliamentarian took the role of speaker- and was insulted for her attire, and disrespected quite shamefully.

Sadly- as long as one party has such majority- South Africans are not likely to see much progress- because a powerful party is not accountable to its voters.

Holy See tells UN to Deliver on Africa- and preserve culture

(Social Justice South Africa ; c.f. Immaculate Heart of Mary's Hermitage Report)

Article by Marc Aupiais

On Monday the 22 of September 2008- the Permanent observer of the Vatican at the UN- gave a speech on Africa's development.

The Holy See of the Beloved Catholic church, through their permanent observer to the United Nations- Archbishop Celestino Migliore, has appealed for focus on Africa- it says Africa has made much progress- but not enough to alleviate poverty. It has the youngest average population but also the youngest average age of death.

Despite many differences in culture and diversity- African countries have taken great strides. The United Nations, according to the Archbishop has enshrined in its charter pursuit of Peace and Prosperity for all. Something where Africa still has great chasms which suffer without these.

Africa- according to the Archbishop- needs to gain a sense of ownership of its own land. Further- the UN must take concrete action on plans involving the continent.

The Catholic church is said to be vital in fighting problems on African soil- and in caring for the sick.

The African sense of community is a positive influence- and pursuit of development- according to the observer- must not erode the good elements of the diverse cultures in Africa.

Archbishop Celestino was addressing the UN in a meeting on Africa and her development needs- on Monday the 22 of September 2008.