The 9th World Water Forum kicked off in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, on Monday. The 21-26 March international event on the theme, “Water security for peace and development”, is addressing the global challenges for man and nature, today and tomorrow.
The forum aims to accelerate the effective implementation of the global water agenda, which is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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As the number of Ukrainians who have fled the Russian invasion tops 3.5 million, Cardinal Mario Grech has appealed for governments to protect women and children as they cross into the European Union.
The Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops made the call over the weekend while in Poland for a 4-day visit.
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For Samira Dajani-Budeiri, the very soil on which she stands in Sheikh Jarrah is sacred. Her home and the ground on which it stands is wrapped in memories of her parents, her neighbors—and her wish to live in peace and dignity.
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Photo: WCC
Since South Africa adopted its post-apartheid constitution in 1996, the country has made important strides in realising the right to social security and in reducing poverty and inequality.
Policies, legislation and administrative infrastructure have enabled the government to create an expansive social security system. Two out of three households receive a social grant and 60% of the workforce is covered by social insurance.
South Africa is now an exemplar of an upper middle-income country that has gone further than many others in growing social protection to promote development.
Nevertheless, the country still has persistent and extraordinarily high rates of poverty, unemployment, inequality and low levels of economic growth.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to exercise their constitutional duties in order to improve their lives and build a better society.
“To build the South Africa we want, we must make our voices heard on the laws and policies that affect us through public hearings and community meetings. We must be active citizens that support community-based organisations that are performing invaluable work in the places we live,” the President said on Monday.
He made these remarks during the 2022 Human Rights Day national event held at the Reagile Community Centre in Koster, North West.
The President called on citizens to hold those tasked with public office to account.
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A delegation from ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches (WCC) visited Hungary, Ukraine and Romania on 14-18 March, focusing on humanitarian needs and church response.
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World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca appealed for an immediate end to indiscriminate attacks with an escalating impact on civilians in Ukraine.
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Pope Francis used his Sunday blessing and address in Vatican City to say the conflict in Ukraine was an unjustified “senseless massacre” and called on leaders to stop “this repugnant war”.
“The violent aggression against Ukraine is unfortunately not slowing down,” the Pope said to the thousands of people who had gathered in St Peter’s Square.
“It is a senseless massacre where every day slaughters and atrocities are being repeated,” he added.
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Pope Francis writes to the Archbishop of Vilnius and President of the CCEE to mark the opening of the European Catholic Social Days, and highlights the importance of protecting, accompanying and integrating as European countries accept so many vulnerable people fleeing war.
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Photo: WCC
While The following feature story is part of a series that begins this year’s Easter Initiative, which will offer a glimpse into the daily lives of Palestinians, Muslims and Christians, living in and around Jerusalem, some of the challenges they face, and what gives them hope.
The concept of sacredness underscores these stories. Below, Yacoub Rajabi’s story speaks to the sacredness of human dignity—and the sacredness of life itself.
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Photo: WCC
