Blog Archive
Unions condemn MEPs support for Colombia-Peru Free Trade Agreement
Posted on November 27, 2012
As MEPs in the EP's international trade committee today endorse the EU's FTA with Colombia and Peru, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) repeat their opposition to a trade deal which has not adequately addressed the continuing violence and harassment of trade unionists and human rights defenders, and lacks measures to ensure compliance with international labour rights.
At the request of the EP's committee both governments have presented Roadmaps on human rights and environmental protection, without any consultation with local trade union confederations.
Minister Costello opens 4th Annual Global Solidarity Summer School
Posted on September 05, 2012
The 4th Annual Global Solidarity Summer School took place in Wexford from Friday 24th August to Saturday 25th August. We welcomed close to 90 participants to the Summer School which included delegates, guests and speakers who would take part in a very packed programme.
We were delighted that Minister Joe Costello could open the Summer School for us this year and look forward to hearing more detail on Irish Aid's plans to hold their own Summer School next year. A full copy of his speech is available here.
European Parliament calls for strengthening of development education across Europe
Posted on July 05, 2012
After an intense 4 month campaign, on July 5th, the European Parliament adopted the written declaration on development education and global active citizenship, which was sponsored by MEPs Filip Kaczmarek (PL/EPP), Catherine Grèze (FR/Greens), Fiona Hall (UK/ ALDE), Maria Badia I Cutchet (ES/ S&D) and Michael Gahler (DE/EPP). To be adopted, a written declaration needs to gather the signatures of an absolute majority of MEPs. A written declaration is a text of a maximum of 200 words on a matter falling within the European Union's sphere of activities. MEPs can use written declarations to launch or relaunch a debate on a subject that comes within the EU's remit. Over 300 MEPs signed the declaration, 10 of which were Irish MEPs.
Education sparks debate in Leinster House
Posted on June 29, 2012
The Irish Coalition for the Global Campaign for Education recently had the opportunity meet with Minister Joe Costello about the role of education in development. On foot of their submission to the White Paper Review on Irish Aid, they wanted to express their concern to the Minister about the current situation of education in development, the cut in budgets over the years, the percentage of aid spent on education [10 - 12%] and the fear that education would lose out to other priorities.
Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to ILO - 14 June 2012
Posted on June 15, 2012
In a landmark address to the ILO, Aung San Suu Kyi called for international aid and investment to help build a better future for Myanmar and highlighted the problems of youth unemployment.
World Day against Child Labour
Posted on June 15, 2012
This year the World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) provides a spotlight on the right of all children to be protected from child labour and from other violations of fundamental human rights. In 2010 the international community adopted a Roadmap for achieving the elimination of the worst forms of child labour by 2016, which stressed that child labour is an impediment to children's rights and a barrier to development. World Day 2012 highlights the work that needs to be done to make the roadmap a reality. The ILO's Conventions seek to protect children from exposure to child labour. Together with other international instruments relating to children's, workers' and human rights they provide an important framework for legislation established by national governments. However the ILO's most recent global estimate is that 215 million children worldwide are involved in child labour, with more than half this number involved in its worst forms.
On-going human rights violations in Burma
Posted on May 30, 2012
Congress has written to Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore TD Burma pointing out that Burma is only now at the beginning of a long path towards the establishment of democracy and human rights. The EU must use its leverage to encourage the additional steps it has identified, including the unconditional release of remaining political prisoners and the end of armed conflict with ethnic groups, over the coming year.
Congress makes case for Decent Work in Development Cooperation
Posted on April 26, 2012
In our submission to the review of the Irish Aid Whitepaper, we make the case for decent work and the importance of a trade union role. People don't usually think of unions when they think about international development but our goals of living wages, workplaces free of child and forced labour, decent public services and the promotion of equality and justice can make a big contribution to eliminating poverty when won.
Congress highly values the partnership that we have with Irish Aid and are grateful for the opportunity to engage with them about their future priorities.
Rights Groups say Government MUST ACT on UN Pledges
Posted on March 20, 2012
Your Rights, Right Now, a coalition of 17 civil society organisations, of which Congress is a member, has called upon the Government to act on the human rights pledges it has made today (15 March 2012) before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In all, Ireland has formally accepted 85% of the human rights recommendations made by other UN member states. It has promised to make significant improvements in areas including prison conditions, mental health, children's rights, prevention of ill-treatment, gender equality and combating racism and discrimination. Speaking from the UN's headquarters in Geneva, Deirdre Duffy, Senior Research and Policy Programme Manager with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Your Rights, Right Now's representative before the Human Rights Council, said:
FREE AT LAST
Posted on March 09, 2012
It was with great delight that we recently heard the news that Lillany Obando was freed after three long years of imprisonment without conviction.
In an interview with Lilliany, conducted by Justice for Colombia UK on the day after her release, she talks with determination about continuing to work to free those political prisoners, still held behind prison bars. She also thanks those who assisted in the campaign to have her released.
Click here to see the full interview and here for more details on JFC UK campaigns.