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Albinism can be a death sentence

3/31/2014

Watch the CBC's short documentary about conditions in Tanzania where Under the Same Sun's efforts are focused.
Alert: Some viewers might find this documentary very upsetting not least because of the stories and images but also because justice is slow in coming to the victims and their families.

If you're in Montreal, April 4-18 2014, you might want to attend Blind, a play about the persecution of people with albinism in Tanzania. See our Events page for more information.

The UN Human Rights Office received reports from 15 countries between 2000 and 2013 on more than 200 cases of attacks against persons living with albinism (PWA). It is believed that these figures might well run much higher as many attacks might be unreported or undocumented due to the marginalization of the victims from early childhood not to mention the environment of the crimes.

Since the genetic rarity inherited by persons with albinism also means that their condition is still profoundly socially and medically misunderstood, their physical appearance can also be the object of erroneous beliefs and myths influenced by superstition which can result in dehumanization, abandonment, stigma, infanticide/murder, neglect at every level, mutilations, rape, discrimination and bullying. According to Peter Ash, CEO of Under the Same Sun, “Persons with albinism are not even safe in death: their graves can be robbed and their organs trafficked.”

In 2013, the UN Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay, presented a report to the Human Rights Council on the attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism, and expressed concern about the access to justice, remedies and redress for these attacks. Because of the recrudescence of attacks against persons with albinism, particularly in parts of Africa, where the ratio of PWA is higher (up to ten times reported), the Human Rights Council adopted a number of resolutions (23/13 and 24/33), as did the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights at the end of 2013, calling for the prevention of attacks against persons with albinism.

Although it would appear that some rights are covered such as blindness or discrimination due to colour, Peter Ash, says that “We would like persons with albinism to be considered as a specific group with particular needs that must be given special attention in international human rights law.” The UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee is currently conducting a yearlong study on the human rights situation of PWA to be presented at the Council’s 28th session next year.

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The stained glass effect

3/27/2014

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When the video starts, double click. On full screen, click on cc to get English captions so that you can follow what is being said in Italian.

Food for Thought, Prayer and Action

How did I react when I saw Cristina on stage?
How did I react to the judges?
When do I label people as "in" or "out"?
How can I welcome everyone as Jesus did?
How can I better appreciate the magnificent colours in the stain-glass window that paint the wonderful picture of God made man?
Can I let the Sun shine through my own darkness?

Appearances matter, so we're told. This has been the case from time immemorial. In the Middle Ages, people's "fama", reputation became an important part of their public persona. Has anything really changed today? Before you answer that question or read further, have a look at the YouTube video opposite.

This video is a viral sensation at the moment most likely because "Cristina" (what an apt name) is on a mission which she simply and openly states after she sings on The Voice. At the same time, what happens as we spectate speaks so much to us, particularly in this time when the spotlight is on "Racism" (21 March, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Descrimination). Read Blogger Kathryn's insightful witness in Through a Glass Brightly.

We can still be concerned for our own public reputation today. What about our concern for the reputation and reception of others?

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Tuberculosis - the silent killer

3/24/2014

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The Good News

Nearly 22 million lives have been saved since 1995
45% decrease in TB deaths since 1990

A person with TB infects about 10 people in a year. Without treatment, half of the people die. With the increasing risk of drug resistance, the cost risks for health systems and economies are too high.

Click on the image above to download the World TB Day brochure.

Today is World TB Day. In 2012, an estimated 8.6 million people developed TB and 1.3 million died from the disease, according to the most recent figures from the World Health Organization. The WHO estimates that about 530,000 children develop TB every year.

The Stop TB Partnership believes that of the 9 million who fall ill with TB every year, 3 million are missed (many from the poorest, most vulnerable communities globally). They are calling for a global effort to find, treat and cure the three million and accelerate progress towards zero TB deaths, infections, suffering and stigma.

They believe that they need to:

"aggressively scale up TB programmes and ensure access and coverage for all, especially for the most vulnerable groups and in areas most heavily affected by the diseases - the TB 'hotspots'."
invest in basic research and research and development for new tools - diagnostics, drugs and vaccines - in order to reach people faster, treat them more quickly and ultimately prevent them from becoming ill with TB.

On March 25, 2014, Frontline will broadcast "TB Silent Killer" on line or on air - stories from two different families affected by the disease.

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The Seven Last Words of Jesus

3/23/2014

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Published by Franciscans International
The Seven Last Words of Jesus is an engaging booklet that invites the reader to reflect on the last seven words of Jesus and their direct impact on our contemporary age.

Citing from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John, with reflections, the booklet brings home the truth and meaning of Jesus' last words in ways that connect us to their meaning in today's world.

The Seven Last Words booklet, instructs and unites us in prayer, hope, respect and above all charity - to dignify all life and Creation.

The reflections add and give meaning to the words of our Lord through an awareness of the poverties in our world and the many issues of injustice that exist.

To Read the Seven Last Words of Jesus
click on the download file below.

Food For the Poor, through images of the suffering poor today, also provides reflections on the Stations of the Cross with prayers.

“Love God, Serve God,
everything is in that”

St. Clare of Assisi

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St. Francis, Patron Saint of Ecology - celebrating 35 years

3/22/2014

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With this launch date, World Water Day, we are reminded that our commitment to work for the Integrity of Creation must be concrete and practical. Resources are available in various languages, and include a reflection on the celebration, the Pope’s declaration naming Francis the patron of ecology, a Eucharistic celebration, an ecumenical prayer, norms for an interreligious celebration, a Mayan Cross Prayer, Prayers of the Faithful and an article on Franciscan Spirituality.

Here is Pope John Paul II's letter proclaiming St. Francis Patron Saint of Ecology.

Today, the JPIC office in Rome has launched a new website to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the naming of Saint Francis as Patron of Ecology. Romans VI (the group of JPIC animators for the Franciscan Family) has prepared a series of resources to help us.

The date for the commemoration of Francis as Patron of Ecology is November 29. The JPIC office in Rome invites us all to prepare events/prayers/gatherings to commemorate this anniversary at times which are convenient for us and our partners including diocesan organizations, ecumenical groups, interreligious groups and all people of goodwill. Help to promote among all people a spirit of care for creation in the spirit of Francis. You might want to consider the possibility of linking this celebration with that of the Spirit of Assisi, which occurs every year on the 28th of October.

The JPIC Office in Rome also invites us to send them a short article about any celebration we might hold along with some photos. Please let us know and we will post them on Spotlight.

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Albinism can be a death sentence

The stained glass effect

Food for Thought, Prayer and Action

Tuberculosis - the silent killer

The Good News

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

St. Francis, Patron Saint of Ecology - celebrating 35 years

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