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When Charity Kills

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On July 28, 2013

In Justice and Peace, News, Publications, Zambia Sector

Jacek RakowskiBy Jacek Rakowdki, M.Afr
Published in the Saturday Post, Saturday 27 July 2013

Most people remember very well a moment or an episode in their lives, which was a turning point. (…) It happened (to me) 10 years ago. I had just arrived in the country, form my native Poland, to continue my training with the Missionaries of Africa in Kasama. I was in Cairo Road, looking for an Internet Café from where I could call my family to tell them I had arrived safely. I found one but at the door, lying on the pavement, there was a child. The only way for me to enter into the shop would have been to step over his body. But I couldn’t. I froze and I moved to the other side of the street and went back home. That night the vision of that boy came back to haunt me time and again. P1090119On the following morning, I went back to the shop and the child was awake, standing and begging. Unable to communicate, I just took him by the hand, led him to a fast food and bought him something to eat.

Today I would not encourage anyone to do that but that’s what happened to me on that fateful encounter which threw open a door on a world I only knew through readings and movies.

 READ MORE

Interview with Jan Dworkin

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On July 23, 2013

In News, Publications

Jan Dworkin 02Jan DworkinJan invites us to be aware of our rank and power in relationships. She differentiates social rank from spiritual rank. She also helps us to understand how our sense of identity can enslave us. She says that “rejected parts of ourselves become enslaved by one’s identity. The identity itself behaves like a slaveholder.”  Finally she encourages us to expand our sense of identity when saying that “in Process Work, we embrace the very basic idea that “the other is you”. Everything that we see outside of ourselves, everything that we read about in a newspaper, everything that we are disturbed by in the community is an aspect of ourselves. The entire world lives within us.” READ MORE

Jan Dworkin 03

Slavery: not just a thing of the past

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On July 20, 2013

In Justice and Peace, News, Publications

Pierre_LafollieBy Pierre Lafollie M.Afr
Published in the Saturday Post, Saturday 20 July 2013

When the White Fathers arrived in the north of Zambia in 1891 they discovered that the slave trade was still thriving in spite of having been abolished by many countries. Their reports, together with other witnesses coming from different parts of Africa, prompted their founder, Cardinal Charles Lavigerie, to launch an antislavery campaign whose 125th anniversary is being celebrated this year. But the fight is far from over since slavery is still with us.

P1090118The White Fathers in Northern Zambia
When Brazil abolished slavery in 1888, it was the last Western country to do so. Thus, when the first Missionaries of Africa (popularly known as the White Fathers) settled in July 1891 at Mambwe Mwela, along today’s Tanzania – Zambia border, the Western slave trade had ended since its market, essentially across the Atlantic, had disappeared and the slaves had already been freed. In this corner of Africa though, the missionaries arrived in a country devastated by a still active campaign of slave raiding. READ MORE

Antislavery Videos on Internet

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On July 8, 2013

In Justice and Peace

TEDSome interesting links on the Internet. The talks on TED can be downloaded in High-Medium- and low definition, with subtitles in several languages. Click on Download and choose your option.
I have all the videos on DVD-CD-USB pen for those who do not have a decent/good internet connection.
Claudio Zuccala, Woodlands, Lusaka
Kevin Bales: How to combat modern slavery
In this moving yet pragmatic talk, Kevin Bales explains the business of modern slavery, a multibillion-dollar economy that underpins some of the worst industries on earth. He shares stats and personal stories from his on-the-ground research — and names the price of freeing every slave on earth right now. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 18:01)
Lisa Kristine: Photos that bear witness to modern slavery
For the past two years, photographer Lisa Kristine has travelled the world, documenting the unbearably harsh realities of modern-day slavery. She shares hauntingly beautiful images — miners in the Congo, brick layers in Nepal — illuminating the plight of the 27 million souls enslaved worldwide.
Sunitha Krishnan: The fight against sex slavery
Sunitha Krishnan has dedicated her life to rescuing women and children from sex slavery, a multimillion dollar global market. In this courageous talk, she tells three powerful stories, as well as her own, and calls for a more humane approach to helping these young victims rebuild their lives. Sunitha Krishnan is galvanizing India’s battle against sexual slavery by uniting government, corporations and NGOs to end human trafficking.
Human trafficking – 21st century slavery: Faridoun Hemani
Faridoun Hemani is a broadcast journalist, and founder of independent production company Linx Productions. He has been in the television news business for 35 years, and has covered major international stories around the world. In 2010, Faridoun co-produced a 6-part series on Human Trafficking (as part of Moonbeam-Linx), that aired on BBC World Television. The series was supported and funded by End Human Trafficking Now (EHTN), a Geneva based organization that encourages businesses to take an active role to stem this modern form of slavery.
Modern Day Slaves – Niger
July 2005. The chains and markets may be gone, but in 21st century Africa, people are still being born as slaves. Produced by ABC Australia. Distributed by Journeyman Pictures.
MODERN SLAVERY – AL JAZEERA INVESTIGATIONS 9 videos Mac McKinney 
This is Al Jazeera’s powerful investigative series on modern slavery throughout the planet. No country, officials say, is untouched by this recurring scourge of inhumanity and depravity that enslaves, reports say, some 27,000,000 men, women and children. Although slavery has often morphed in form from classic scenarios, it still shares these common conditions: 1) victims of slavery cannot escape the complete control of their enslavers; 2) they are controlled through violence and threats; 3) They are economically exploited. This series of nine videos will educate and upset you.
The Child Within
To be a pregnant child is to be terrified. Girls between 15 and 19 are twice more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than women in their 20s and 25,000 children marry every day, 19 every minute. Camfed is part of the international movement to end child marriage and motherhood. Our film, The Child Within, is an unflinching portrait of three girls, three unique individuals, who are among the statistics.  The Child Within was made in 2011 in rural Malawi, in a district where pregnancy is the prime cause of school dropout in 50 percent of cases.
Hidden Truth
Filmed by the first women’s filmmaking collective in rural Zambia, Hidden Truth is an intimate portrayal of the effects of domestic violence on women and children in Samfya, a remote region of Northern Zambia.

Interview with the Iranian Muslim scholar Seyed Amir Akrami

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On June 21, 2013

In Justice and Peace, Publications

Seyed Amir AkramiNew interview of the antislavery campaign with the Iranian Muslim scholar Seyed Amir Akrami
Amir shares with us his understanding of how Islam faces the challenge of slavery in its old and modern force. He says that “Muhammad was not able to eradicate or abolish the institution of slavery because that was tantamount to making such a radical revolution in his society that his time was not prepared for it. (…) It would be anachronistic to expect the Prophet of Islam to abolish slavery in his time. Drastic social or political changes need time and the confluence of many historical factors and elements to make it possible for them to occur (…) To me the fact that the Prophet of Islam was not able to abolish slavery is not problematic at all but what is problematic is for a Muslim individual or society in our time to argue from that historical fact for the impossibility or undesirability of abolishing slavery in Muslim societies now.”
Amir talks about the challenge faced by religious minorities in Muslim countries, also the situation of women when saying that “injustice or discrimination against women in many societies, and especially in Muslim countries, are modern forms of slavery that we need to be abolished.” He invites us to welcome the mystical tradition of Islam so to be enriched again by its core values.
READ MORE

Pre-Islamic Arabia, including trade routesPre-Islamic Arabia, including trade routes

Main slave trade routes in the Medieval Age
Slave Trade

 

 

Des millions d’enfants forcés de travailler comme domestiques dans le monde

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On June 13, 2013

In Justice and Peace, Publications

Des millions d’enfants forcés de travailler comme domestiques dans le monde
Plus de 10,5 millions d’enfants de 5 à 17 ans travaillent comme domestiques dans le monde dans des conditions qui s’apparentent parfois à de l’esclavage, rapporte le Bureau international du travail (BIT). Une situation qu’a dénoncée avec force mercredi le pape François, au Vatican.
Éliminer le travail des enfants dans le travail domestiqueSelon l’organisme BIT basé à Genève, qui a publié ces données mardi, à la veille de la Journée mondiale contre le travail des enfants, ces millions d’enfants employés par des particuliers constituent une main-d’œuvre vulnérable régulièrement soumise à des sévices physiques et psychologiques de toutes sortes.
« Ces enfants sont loin de leurs familles, ils sont isolés et sont en état de grande dépendance », a expliqué à l’Agence France-Presse la directrice du programme du BIT pour l’abolition du travail des enfants, Constance Thomas.
« Ils travaillent énormément d’heures, n’ont aucune liberté personnelle, et ce travail est le plus souvent clandestin. » — Constance Thomas, directrice du programme du BIT pour l’abolition du travail des enfants
« Tous les enfants doivent pouvoir jouer, étudier, prier et croître, dans leurs propres familles, dans un milieu harmonieux, d’amour et de sérénité : c’est leur droit et c’est notre devoir. » — Le pape François  LIRE LA SUITE
 
Ending child labourTen million child labourers in domestic work
Millions of children worldwide work as domestic labourers, many of them in slavery-like conditions. New report on domestic work within the framework of the two International Labour Organisation (ILO) fundamental conventions on child labour and the recently adopted instruments on decent work for domestic workers.
 
 
 

Slavery in South Africa between 1830s and 1850s

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On June 11, 2013

In Justice and Peace, Publications, South Africa Sector

Illustrated history of South AfricaThey called their slave Inboekselings
In those stormy years between 1830s and 1850s the majority of Voortrekkers in the Transvaal were involved in a reprehensible though highly profitable occupation: the kidnapping of African children. It was a practice that sparked waves of terror in African homesteads. READ MORE
Slavery at the Cape
Jan Van Riebeck set foot at the Cape on 6 April 1652. His instructions from the Dutch East India Company were clear: he was forbidden to enslave the indigenous people of the Cape. However, slaves from elsewhere were another matter and in May 1652, only weeks after arriving at Table Bay, he asked for slaves to be sent to help erect the fort and till the land. For the first five years the only slaves at the Cape were stowaways or gifts from the captains of passing ships. In 1658 there were 11 slaves, eight women and three men.(…)
A History of South Africa to 1870Slavery – the imposition of enforced servitude by a powerful group on another group – inevitably breeds fear in both groups, and resentment in the oppressed. There was also tension among the whites, who constantly feared a mass rebellion and death at the hand of a slave. There was always the fear that slaves who had run away might return to rob and kill, and so large rewards were offered for their recapture. READ MORE
Thanks to Didier Lemaire, M.Afr for sharing those articles with us.

 

Antislavery Workshop in Chipata

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On May 20, 2013

In Justice and Peace, News, Zambia Sector

Dave CullenBy Dave Cullen, M.Afr
The Association of Religious Men of Zambia (ARMZ) here in Chipata decided that on the occasion of a meeting of members to elect a new executive it would be fitting at the same time to hold a day’s workshop on ‘Slavery in our midst’. It was our way of linking up with the 125th anniversary of Cardinal Lavigerie’s tour of Europe to campaign for the end of slavery as also to commemorate the birth of Livingstone 200 years ago.
there were 12 members of ARMZ present at the workshop, 4 of them Missionaries of Africa. Others who accepted our invitation to attend were 2 representatives from five Sister’s Congregations, 2 Dutch volunteers very much concerned with helping prostitutes in Chipata plus representatives from the local clergy, Caritas and Radio Maria. There were four very good presentations, on prostitution, street kids, child labour in rural areas and exploitation of the vulnerable through cheap labour. After each presentation there was group sharing on just one question: what can we do to overcome these forms of slavery in our midst? Hopefully we will take up the challenges presented and work through such bodies as ZAS, Caritas, NGO’s as well as those groups and individuals who show particular concern in these areas, amongst them presenters of these problems to us who were clearly concerned and actively committed to find solutions.
We shall hold another meeting next year at which we shall ask: what did you actually do about those resolutions you took at last year’s workshop? Hopefully there will be some positive progress recorded. If there is we shall share the good news with you.

Updates from Mozambique

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On May 11, 2013

In Justice and Peace, Mozambique Sector, News

Let us break the chains 01Planning the Antislavery Campaign in Mozambique
All the confreres working in Mozambique met in Nazaré (Beira) on March 18-25th to take stock of the situation and plan for the future, including what to do concerning the Antislavery Campaign in our Sector.
Claudio Zuccala was with us as part of his one-month-long visit to Mozambique and he was chosen as the moderator. He shared with us ideas, suggestions, material and some of the initiatives taken in the SAP, whereupon the Sector proceeded to sketch out its own plan.  
Among various events which were suggested, we plan events in the different parishes where we work (Sussundenga, Dombe, possibly the future Parish in Tete and the Centre of Nazaré) and a Social Week in Nazaré with conferences, debates a photographic exhibition. Dates were put forward (September) and tasks were allotted.
Social Week
The archdiocesan Centre on the outskirts of Beira was also the venue for a conference organized by the Mozambican Conference of Religious Men and Women (CIRM-CONFEREMO).  
Fifty three people took part, representing 40 Institutes. Four of us were also present: Hugh Seenan, Timothée Bationo, Richard Ujwigowa and Florent Sawadogo.
It started on April 23rd and the main topics were: The Land issue (the question of ownership and the impact of mega-projects which cause, among others, land grabbing and summary evictions), Human Trafficking and Violence against girls.
It is worth mentioning that though the Government of Mozambique does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, all the same it is making significant efforts to do so. Mozambique demonstrated an increased commitment to combating trafficking in 2008, particularly through the enactment of comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation, the creation of an anti-trafficking police unit, and the conviction and sentencing of two child traffickers.
The Archbishop of Beira, Mgr. Claudio Dalla Zuanna (Italian, 54, of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) opened the Social Week explaining the role of the Centre and the necessity of holding meetings of this kind. He made it clear that Religious Men and Women in Mozambique should be the critical conscience of the local Church and of society at large.
Seven different speakers helped the participants to obtain a clearer vision and a deeper knowledge of the issues at stake and the conference ended on April 25th with a solemn declaration of commitment and engagement by CIRM-CONFEREMO in the three areas and the adoption of a plan of action for the future.
By Florent Sawadogo (translation and adaptation by Claudio Zuccala)

If interested in getting all the documentation available (in Portuguese) concerning the Social Week, please contact Claudio Zuccala through this blog or directly at c_zuccala@hotmail.com

EUR-ECHO – Pâques 2013

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On May 7, 2013

In News, Publications

Eur-Echo Pâques 2013Chers confrères,

Le Pape François, dans son homélie du 19 mars, parle d’un service qu’il se sent appelé à rendre en tant qu’évêque de Rome et auquel, dit-il, nous sommes tous appelés : faire resplendir l’étoile de l’espérance. Nous avons besoin, dit-il, de voir la lumière de l’espérance et de donner nous-mêmes espérance. Il indique comment nous pouvons nous y prendre en parlant d’être gardiens de la création, en posant sur tout homme et toute femme un regard de bonté et de tendresse. Oui, dit le Pape, n’ayons pas peur de la tendresse. La tendresse n’est pas la vertu du faible mais dénote une force d’âme et de capacité d’attention, de compassion, de vraie ouverture à l’autre, d’amour. SUITE

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