In order to generate greater sales on fair trade terms for the benefit of many more disadvantaged and marginalized producers, it was important to get commercial manufacturers involved, and to get fair trade into the supermarkets where most people do their shopping shopping. As long as manufacturers agreed to buy from registered suppliers according to Fairtrade criteria, their products could carry the Fairtrade seal of approval. In the UK, the Fairtrade Mark is awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation. The Fairtrade foundation was set up by CAFOD, Christian Aid, New Consumer, Oxfam, Fraidcraft and World Development Movement. All products carrying the Fairtrade Mark meet standards set by the international umbrella body called Fairtrade Labelling Organisations (FLO) International.
How fair trade is your parish/your school? For more information click Fair Trade
How fair trade is your parish/your school? For more information click Fair Trade
Current Issues
Arms Trade
Over-Use/Abuse of Creation: We now know the consequences of our over-use of the goods of creation. Our task now is to set about some serious action. We know that Governments have a responsibility to lead, but also each one of us share in the solution. So often we feel we can do nothing or my contribution doesn't matter; yes, it does, and we need to be convinced of this! As consumers, we have a responsibility to maintain a lifestyle that is consistent with the facts that we are stewards of creation. We are called upon to use the world's resources carefully and gratefully.
Informed: We need to keep ourselves informed as to the issues and try to respond accordingly. One of the great tragedies of global warming is that it affects the lives of those least responsible for it in the first place. We need to continue in small ways and be absolutely convinced that what we do really does matter. In our homes we can look at: energy saving e.g. Switching off lights, using low energy bulbs; recycling; walking more; car sharing; go vegetarian. Each one of us needs to sort out our own lifestyle and the contribution we can make to saving our resources.
Legacy: We owe it to future generations to pass on a world that is viable and sustainable. We do it for them, if for no greater reason. We do not want to leave a legacy of destruction to those coming after us.
Informed: We need to keep ourselves informed as to the issues and try to respond accordingly. One of the great tragedies of global warming is that it affects the lives of those least responsible for it in the first place. We need to continue in small ways and be absolutely convinced that what we do really does matter. In our homes we can look at: energy saving e.g. Switching off lights, using low energy bulbs; recycling; walking more; car sharing; go vegetarian. Each one of us needs to sort out our own lifestyle and the contribution we can make to saving our resources.
Legacy: We owe it to future generations to pass on a world that is viable and sustainable. We do it for them, if for no greater reason. We do not want to leave a legacy of destruction to those coming after us.
Campaigners in the UK concentrate on several aspects of the trade: the closing of DESO (the Government Defense Export Services Organisation which promotes and licenses the export of military goods), the banning of landmines, cluster bombs and the promotion of ethical investment.
We are reminded, through the prescient words of Eisenhower 50 years ago, that with the arms trade in full flow, Poverty will never be History: "every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children ..... This is not a way of life at all, in the true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. (former US President Eisenhower, 16 April 1953).
We are reminded, through the prescient words of Eisenhower 50 years ago, that with the arms trade in full flow, Poverty will never be History: "every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. The world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children ..... This is not a way of life at all, in the true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. (former US President Eisenhower, 16 April 1953).
Care of Creation
At last most governments, leaders, both civil and religious, and individuals have accepted that the lack of care of creation has reached crisis point. For many generations, we, as nations and individuals, have lived as if there were an endless supply of everything: water, fuel, food etc. Exploitation and waste of resources were just not an issue - "there's more where that came from" was the philosophy. How wrong we have been! In recent years, after much hard work by those who cared and those who were able to read the signs, we have slowly come to realize that we have totally abused God's creation. We may, according to some, have left it too late. Global warming, due to over emission of carbon dioxide, has changed the order of nature and has put the natural rhythm out of line; there is much information available on this topic.
At last most governments, leaders, both civil and religious, and individuals have accepted that the lack of care of creation has reached crisis point. For many generations, we, as nations and individuals, have lived as if there were an endless supply of everything: water, fuel, food etc. Exploitation and waste of resources were just not an issue - "there's more where that came from" was the philosophy. How wrong we have been! In recent years, after much hard work by those who cared and those who were able to read the signs, we have slowly come to realize that we have totally abused God's creation. We may, according to some, have left it too late. Global warming, due to over emission of carbon dioxide, has changed the order of nature and has put the natural rhythm out of line; there is much information available on this topic.
Fair Trade does what it says on the label; it guarantees a better deal to consumers in the developing world. This means a stable price which covers their production costs, along with a premium that their will be able to reinvest either in the business or social and environmental schemes among the wider community. Too many farmers in the developing world have to contend with fluctuating prices that may not even cover what it costs to produce their crops. So Fair Trade can make a big impact on their day-to-day life - and on their future and that of their family.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Hexham and Newcastle J&P responds to the needs of Asylum Seekers in practical ways.
To see how, click Asylum Seekers.
To see how, click Asylum Seekers.
A refugee or asylum-seeker is a person who, "owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and in unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it." (UN Convention on the status of Refugees).
Some Facts: Refugees have been forced to leave their countries because they are persecuted. Migrants, on the other hand, make a conscious choice to leave their country. It is important not to destroy the principle of asylum for those fleeing persecution, in a crude attempt to avoid economic migration. To assume that they are all here for a better standard of living is inaccurate. Destitute Asylum Seekers are those whose applications fail, and who cannot return home, receive no benefits and have no means of support. Detention/Immigration Removal Centres are increasingly run as penal institutions, and contain either those seeking asylum, those who have been refused, those whose cases have fallen by the wayside. On any one day there are 5000 people being detained without any criminal charge.
The Refugee Council, the Jesuit Refugee Service and Church
Action on Poverty are some of the organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
The Refugee Council, the Jesuit Refugee Service and Church
Action on Poverty are some of the organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
Racial Justice
The Arms Trade accounts for a huge proportion of our national economy, and many are concerned that unregulated arms sales have destabilized many countries, especially in the developing world. Governments collectively spend more than £442 billion on their armed forces every year and unofficial annual arms sales are valued at up to £18.9 billion. One aid worker quoted a child in Sudan; "The village I grew up in in Sudan is now completely awash with guns even children as young as nine carry weapons in Torit." Each time there is a war, hundreds of guns, mines, vehicles and ,missiles are released into volatile, unstable communities. South Africa, for instance, is plagued with arms left over from its own conflict, from that of Mozambique, of Angola and of Zimbabwe, making Johannesburg one of the most violent cities in the world.
The connection between military expenditure and climate is also stark, with 25% of all carbon emissions being created by military action.
As a nation, Britain's record in the area of race relations has been decidedly chequered. Historically, it started with warlike invasions and subjugation by Roman legions in the 1st. Century, through occupations by Goths and Danes up to the 10th Century, followed by the conquest by Normans from France in the 11th. Century. The page is stained by the exploitation of slaves from the 16th to the 19th. Centuries and, in the 20th Century, by ambivalent and ambiguous policies coinciding with the influx of large numbers of workers from the Caribbean, Africa and the Indian subcontinent. While many of the new arrivals from all over the world have
integrated and become a respected part of the mix, this is not to say that racial intolerance and conflicts have disappeared from the landscape and that racial prejudice and discrimination against black and minority ethnic communities have been completely eradicated once and for all in Britain. There are still important questions to be asked and sensitive action to be taken in relation to the contribution of all sections of society to racial peace and justice, in the context of areas of critical importance, including access to education and housing, employment rights, fair dealing by the police and UK immigration authorities, and not forgetting the prevention of racial abuse on the sports field.
Churches are among the most common meeting points bringing together people of different races, and church groups have an enormous opportunity to take a lead and show an example of love and friendship among people of all races and true respect for each other's dignity and inalienable rights. J&P groups can contact organisations promoting racial justice for support for their work in this field. Some contact information:
Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ)
A charitable organisation that works with Black and minority ethnic Catholics, also in Catholic Dioceses and Parishes, to educate, promote spiritual growth and development and provide advocacy work.
9, Henry Rd, Manor House, London N4 2LH
Tel: 020 8802 8080
E-mail: info:carj.freeserve.co.uk
Churches' Commission for Racial Justice.
Works with the Churches in Britain and Ireland to maximise their action in the field of racial justice. CCRJ works closely with black and minority ethnic communities and sponsors the Racial Justice Network of projects.
Inter-Church House, 35 - 41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL
Tel: 020 7523 2121
E-mail: ccrj@ccbi.org.uk
Churches are among the most common meeting points bringing together people of different races, and church groups have an enormous opportunity to take a lead and show an example of love and friendship among people of all races and true respect for each other's dignity and inalienable rights. J&P groups can contact organisations promoting racial justice for support for their work in this field. Some contact information:
Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ)
A charitable organisation that works with Black and minority ethnic Catholics, also in Catholic Dioceses and Parishes, to educate, promote spiritual growth and development and provide advocacy work.
9, Henry Rd, Manor House, London N4 2LH
Tel: 020 8802 8080
E-mail: info:carj.freeserve.co.uk
Churches' Commission for Racial Justice.
Works with the Churches in Britain and Ireland to maximise their action in the field of racial justice. CCRJ works closely with black and minority ethnic communities and sponsors the Racial Justice Network of projects.
Inter-Church House, 35 - 41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL
Tel: 020 7523 2121
E-mail: ccrj@ccbi.org.uk
Human Trafficking
Poverty in the UK
Debt
Criminal Justice
Much of the above content is taken from the Diocese of Westminster J&P Commission Booklet No Hands But Ours.
With thanks.
With thanks.
When we refer to human trafficking, we are not talking about roads, transport, drugs or weapons. We are talking about people. Trafficking involves the selling of human beings into prostitution, domestic work, sweat shop labour, begging, organ trade, mail order brides, armies and forced marriages. The Untied States Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, 2000, recognises trafficking as a "modern form of slavery". It is an issue without borders and requires urgent action on the part of state and civil society.
built for one. Re-offending rates are currently 64.7% (i.e. That the offender committed an offence within a two year follow-up period and was subsequently convicted.) Prison is clearly not working and is at best very ineffective in both rehabiitation and deterrence. Yet the government is now building even more prisons to accommodate 20,000 additional prisoners by 2014.
Many of those currently held are amongst the poorest and the most disadvantaged in society. In 2006, 1 in 4 of the prison population were from ethnic minority groups compared with 1 in 11 in the general population. The number of prisoners with literacy and numeracy problems is also proportionately much higher. One-quarter of female prisoners have spent time in local authority care. Some 5,000 prisoners are diagnosed as suffering from acute mental health disorders and up to three-quarters of men are estimated as having two or more mental disorders. In addition, the numbers sentenced for drug-related offences have more than tripled from 2,900 in 1992 to 10,000 in 2007. There has also been a significant increase in the number of women and child prisoners. In November 2007, there were4,510 women and girls in prison and 12,029 under 21 year olds.
The Chief Inspector of Prisons has frequently drawn attention to the indecent conditions caused by overcrowding and their negative affect on prisoner welfare. The impact of overcrowding is prisoners 'doubled up' 2 to a small cell meant for 1, and in this confined space they will sleep, eat, wash-up and use the often unscreened lavatory.
Bullying has been endemic in our prisons, particularly those housing young offenders and juveniles.
Reception: the sheer number of people being received into local jails from the courts, limits the ability of prison authorities to spend sufficient time with each individual prisoner on arrival at the jail to determine whether they are at risk of suicide or self harm.
Suicide and overcrowding: prisoners are 5 times more likely to take their own lives in prison as in the community, with young people 18 times more likely to commit suicide and women 30 times more.
Many of those currently held are amongst the poorest and the most disadvantaged in society. In 2006, 1 in 4 of the prison population were from ethnic minority groups compared with 1 in 11 in the general population. The number of prisoners with literacy and numeracy problems is also proportionately much higher. One-quarter of female prisoners have spent time in local authority care. Some 5,000 prisoners are diagnosed as suffering from acute mental health disorders and up to three-quarters of men are estimated as having two or more mental disorders. In addition, the numbers sentenced for drug-related offences have more than tripled from 2,900 in 1992 to 10,000 in 2007. There has also been a significant increase in the number of women and child prisoners. In November 2007, there were4,510 women and girls in prison and 12,029 under 21 year olds.
The Chief Inspector of Prisons has frequently drawn attention to the indecent conditions caused by overcrowding and their negative affect on prisoner welfare. The impact of overcrowding is prisoners 'doubled up' 2 to a small cell meant for 1, and in this confined space they will sleep, eat, wash-up and use the often unscreened lavatory.
Bullying has been endemic in our prisons, particularly those housing young offenders and juveniles.
Reception: the sheer number of people being received into local jails from the courts, limits the ability of prison authorities to spend sufficient time with each individual prisoner on arrival at the jail to determine whether they are at risk of suicide or self harm.
Suicide and overcrowding: prisoners are 5 times more likely to take their own lives in prison as in the community, with young people 18 times more likely to commit suicide and women 30 times more.
As the gap between the incomes of the richest and the poorest widens, Britain is now one of the most economically unequal countries in Europe, so it will come as no surprise to learn that England and Wales now have the largest prison population in Western Europe, at more than 148 per 100,000 of the general population. In June 2009, the prison population of England and Wales reached a record, topping 80,000 for the first time in history and continued rising. Thanks to the early release scheme, in January 2008 there were 'only' 83,887 inmates - 79,481 Male and 4,406 female. The number has therefore almost doubled from 45,000 in the last 15 years. At present, half the prisons in England and Wales are overcrowded. Approximately 18,000 prisoners are being held two to a cell
Much work has been done in the area of prevention. One of the key programmes is raising awareness which can happen on many levels. Firstly, it is vital at the village level. As many in rural villages are illiterate, theatre groups and national radio programmes are able to warn of the serious dangers of trafficking. Other important intiatives include special programmes for improving the status of the girl-child and the education and card of the children of women in prostitution. It is also important to raise awareness about trafficking with the government, police and law enforcement agencies, the medical profession and the media. Each of these groups plays a key role in both the prevention of trafficking and the re-integration of those who have been trafficked. People who have been trafficked and escape, are called survivors, as opposed to victims. Some survivors are taking on the role of educating these groups about the need for support and sensitivity. It is vital that the survivor is not blamed for being trafficked.
More information from: www.notforsalecampaign.org
More information from: www.notforsalecampaign.org
The fundamental reason why trafficking is because of poverty. Traffickers convince those suffering under conditions of poverty that they will have better lives, good jobs and plenty of money. In reality, life for those who are trafficked is very difficult. Women and children will often be cold and hungry and very frightened of their bosses. They work very long hours and are often subjected to the worst forms of human rights abuses. Women and children are often sold into brothels and sweat shops by their parents, husbands, male relatives or village elders. Trafficking is illegal both by most national and international laws.
Fair Trade
The total number of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide was 12 million in 2005; those "warehouses" (cases pending or not being dealt with) 7.89 million. The total number of Internally Displaced Persons (those who do not go abroad), 21 million.
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"Only when the last tree has died, and the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been cought, will we realize that we cannot eat money" 19thC Cree Indian.