New Humanity Presents Two Joint Statements at the 63rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
New Humanity continues to collaborate at the international level to advance the values of dialogue, fraternity, and human dignity.
Jorge Dias Ferreira and Esther and Juan Salamanca, representatives of New Humanity in Geneva, composed two joint statements in light of the ongoing 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council. Each statement was co-signed by several Catholic-inspired NGOs, such as Edmund Rice International, IIMA, VIDES Internazionale, and Communità Papa Giovanni XXIII.
The statements were composed in response to the annual reports presented by UN independent experts on the themes of the promotion of a democratic and equitable order, and the care of older persons. The reports are presented center-stage at the Palais des Nations.
Following the presentation of each report, NGOs with UN Consultative Status – such as New Humanity – are given the opportunity to provide feedback, highlight certain points, or pose questions to the independent expert. These session are called Interactive Dialogues.
These moments are mandatory before each report becomes an official UN document, and is eventually used as the basis to shape concrete action.
Jorge Dias Ferreira delivered a statement on behalf of New Humanity and the co-signing NGOs, during the Interactive Dialogue on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order. The statement emphasized that more world powers willing to dominate and impose their interests would not benefit humanity. Instead, a new fraternal relationship between global powers is necessary.
For the Interactive Dialogue on the care of older persons, New Humanity sent the joint statement to the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council. The statement strongly advised that states need to provide families and caregivers with the resources and supports necessary to care properly for loved ones. It also affirmed that older persons need to continue to be integrated into communities.
📌 A brief summary of each statement can be found below:
Joint Statement on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order
The statement called for:
- Not simply more centers of power but also a new relationship among powers – founded on reciprocity, mutual listening, and dialogue.
- The statement was co-signed by Vides Internazionale, Edmund Rice International, IIMA, and Communità Papa Giovanni XXIII.
Quote:
“Humanity needs not only a new balance of power, but also a new quality of relationships. We must move from competition among powers to fraternity among peoples, and from unavoidable interdependence to consciously chosen solidarity.”
🎥 Watch the full video statement
Joint Statement on the Care of Older Persons
The statement emphasized:
- Cognitive decline does not diminish a person’s dignity or status.
- States should provide the training, support and resources necessary for families and caregivers to care properly for older persons – instead of relying solely on their goodwill.
- Before cognitive decline is determined in an older person, hearing and visual impairment accommodations must be made, so that proper assessment can take place.
- Communities and networks can take steps to ensure older persons are connected and included.
- The statement was co-signed by Communità Papa Giovanni XXIII, FAFCE, and the Company of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Quote:
“Human dignity is protected not only when a person receives care, but when they continue to be listened to, recognized and treated as a full member of the community.”