Advocacy
Pope Francis call for prayer and fasting for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo
On Friday, February 23, 2018 Pope Francis called on people of faith and good will to observe…
Slave auction in Libya is ongoing
On the Calendar of the liturgy of the Catholic Church we remember and celebrates today February 8th Josephine Bakhita, a former slave who as a child was sold by her kidnappers to Arab slave traders. Josephine Bakhita was born in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. As a slave she was sold many times including to the Italian Vice Consul, Callisto Legani in 1883 who later brought her to Italy. Like the migrants from Sub-Sahara Africa her journey to Italy took her through the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
AFJN-Nigeria International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking Event Featured in Global Sisters Report
On February 6, 2018, Teresa Anyabuike’s article “Advocacy on human trafficking” in Global Sisters Report highlighted the…
Major Superiors of Ghana on the Role of Religious Vocation, Leadership, and Justice Ministry
The African Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) secured financial support from Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to mobilize…
Rev. Aniedi Okure on UN making policies to benefit Africa- Straight Talk Africa
UN policies must benefit Africa
Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is 30 years old
This year from 1st – 3rd March, Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) organized a conference in Notre Dame University (South Bend – Indiana) in order to celebrate the 30 years of existence (1983-2013). Our confrere Joseph (Sjef) Donders was the founder of this experience of inter-Congregational collaboration for Africa based in Washington . He is still fondly remembered in the United States by different people because his commitment in the US has been long and has reached several areas (cf. his article in the Petit Echo n° 1015/2010/9 ).
AFJN Featured in San Francisco Bay View: National Black Newspaper
On July 7, 2012, the Africa Faith and Justice Network was mentioned in Mary Ratcliff’s article “U.S….
Africa advocates head to Congress re Congo atrocities
KPFA Radio Africa advocates head to Congress re Congo atrocities, Bahati Jacques explains the objectives of the…
Coalition to UN Security Council: Address UN Congo Mapping Report and enforce justice for victims
Coalition to UN Security Council: Address UN Congo Mapping Report and enforce justice for victims
Educate and Advocate: 2010 Conference follow-up!
Last weekend, AFJN hosted its 2010 annual meeting and conference, entitled “Justice in Africa: On Whose Terms” featuring Fr. Peter Henriot, S.J. as a keynote. Nearly 150 individuals – missionaries, students, activists, scholars, and more – from across the U.S. and from several African nations, all gathered in Rosslyn, VA to share and learn from one another.
World Food Day: A Time to Listen
October 16 is World Food Day at the UN, and this year focus is how to achieve food security in times of crisis. This is a timely topic on the heels of last year’s food price crisis, the recent financial crisis, and the ongoing and accelerating climate crisis – this year, the global financial crisis has pushed over 1 billion people into hunger, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s latest annual report. Africa in particular feels the pangs of such a global crisis, where around 30 percent of the total population is estimated to be suffering from chronic hunger and malnutrition.
Impact of Small Arms Proliferation on Africa
The persistence and the complication of wars in Africa are partially due to small arms proliferation. The consequences of small arms on African people due to international conflicts within Africa, rebel group activities, mercenary groups, and armed gang activities have yet to be fully measured. The International Action Network on Small Arms, Saferworld, and Oxfam International put it in perspective when they reported that armed conflict cost Africa $18 billion each year and about US$300 billion between 1990-2005.
New Food Aid Bill Raises Concerns
Although a complete overhaul of U.S. foreign assistance seems to have stalled, legislators wasted no time in addressing international food aid reform. On February 5, the Lugar-Casey Global Food Security Act (S. 384) was introduced on the Senate floor. The bill takes a longer-term view of agricultural production in the developing world and will improve U.S. capability to respond to emergency food crises. But the Lugar-Casey bill is not quite as sweet as it sounds. Though there are many elements of the legislation that should be celebrated (particularly buying food aid locally), it also expands the private-public partnership with the genetically modified crop research industry.
Ugandan President Museveni Labels Contracting HIV Treason
On September 24, President Museveni of Uganda was addressing officials from 12 Ugandan universities in Kampala when…
Free Trade vs. Fair Trade
So often we hear the phrases “free trade” and “fair trade” intermingled with economic reform and world…
How Do Your Representatives Vote on African Issues?
One of the most important parts of advocacy work is having the capability and confidence to communicate…
Fear of HIV/AIDS Explosion in War Affected Southern Sudan
(IRIN News) Health experts are concerned that southern Sudan, emerging from more than two decades of civil…
Three Resolutions Approved by Members in Tucson
The members of AFJN, gathered in Tucson, Arizona in October 2005 for two days of work and prayer, approved three resolutions to be carried forward in their advocacy work. The resolutions concerned the ongoing crisis in Uganda, the genocide in Darfur and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. All members and all those interested in greater justice on these issues are urged to put the resolutions to good use in education and advocacy in their communities. The texts may be found in the rest of this article, or as files to download by following the links.
