There's a desperate search for thousands of people missing after a powerful storm burst dams near the Mediterranean city of Derna on 10 September.

That event unleashed a torrent of water that devastated at least a quarter of Derna's buildings. Buildings along with their residents were washed away.

Many people are missing. Many are believed to have been swept out to sea.

As corpses continue to be washed ashore, catastrophic flooding continues.

Confusion and devastation

While initial reports estimated about 6,000 people died in the 10 September event, subsequent reports speak of at least 11,300 deaths and 10,100 missing people.

However, the UN says revised numbers are somewhat lower.

The UN says at least 3,958 people have died, citing UN World Health Organisation (WHO) figures. A further 9,000 or more people are still missing.

In addition, the UN says as at 17 September over 40,000 people were displaced, according to data from the International Organisation for Migration.

The figures are expected to change as search-and-rescue efforts continue to look for survivors.

As telecommunications have been interrupted, roads destroyed and electricity towers toppled, rescue efforts are being hampered however, causing further hardship for survivors.

Prayer and practical help

Pope Francis has voiced his "heartfelt spiritual closeness" to the people of Libya through communication with the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai.

He says he hopes others will join him in praying for the injured, those anxious for loved ones, emergency workers and "for the souls of the deceased and all who mourn their loss."

The Holy Father invoked divine blessings of consolation, strength and perseverance upon all affected by the tragedy.

Calling for global solidarity to help Libya's suffering people, he said "May we not fail in our solidarity with these brothers and sisters, tried by such a devastating calamity."

What practical global solidarity might include

The International Rescue Committee says it is "gravely concerned about the protection needs of those caught up in this tragedy, especially thousands of women and children who have to leave their homes in search of safety."

It is calling for urgent emergency shelters and psycho-social support.

Medical services that need support have been impacted.

There are displaced patients and an overwhelming demand for medical help. There are damaged ambulances that need repairing. There are physical access challenges and logistical support needs.

There are fears about waterborne diseases.

Derna lacks clean drinking water. Medical supplies are lacking. The city's hospital is reportedly overwhelmed with the number of dead.

Caritas

Caritas - the Catholic Relief Agency - is helping assess the damage and getting help to the most needy," says Caritas's Australia's Humanitarian Emergencies Associate Director.

"Libya has been in a state of civil war since 2011, which has led to a significant loss of life and has forced many people to flee from their homes and become displaced.

"Despite a ceasefire since 2020, there is still political instability as well as damage and disruption to infrastructure," a Caritas statement says.

Source

• CathNews Australia
• Vatican News
• Crux
• Reuters
• CNN

"On this Day, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the victims of violence based on religion and belief. And we demonstrate that support by doing all in our power to prevent such attacks and demanding that those responsible are held accountable," said UN Secretary-General, António Guterres in a message for the occasion.

The annual observance was adopted by the General Assembly on 28 May 2019, in response to an increasing number of attacks against individuals and groups, targeted simply because of their religion or belief, around the world. Read more

Ending this "modern slavery" has been a major priority for Pope Francis, Gallagher said.

The Catholic Church is collaborating "with both the public and private sectors, including with government authorities."

Gallagher says the problem can be fully addressed only by "promoting effective juridical instruments and concrete collaboration at multiple levels by all stakeholders".

Hosted by UK Prime Minister Theresa May, the event Gallagher was speaking at was entitled "A Call to Action to End Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking."

Gallagher, who is the Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States, highlighted the special role of women and religious personnel in offering an avenue of trust.

"Experience has shown that many victims are wary of trusting law enforcement authorities, but that they confide their stories more easily to religious personnel, especially religious sisters, who can build their trust in the legal process and provide them safe haven and other forms of assistance."

Source

• Crux
• The Islamic Monthly

Archbishop Silvano Maria Tomasi says the Vatican is working to convince the public that the world is safer without nuclear weapons, rather than with them.

Tomasi is the delegate secretary to the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which is working to organize the disarmament conference.

It will build on the conference to negotiate the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty, which took place in New York in March this year.

It will also build on recent progress toward international bans on nuclear weapons - for example, the first-ever UN treaty to ban nuclear weapons, that over 120 countries signed at the UN conference in early July.

Until the treaty was signed, nuclear weapons were the only weapons of mass destruction not explicitly banned by any international document.

Antonio Gutierres, Secretary General of the United Nations, has been invited to address the Vatican conference, although it is not known if he will accept the invitation.

Pope Francis, who is firmly opposed to all forms of warfare including nuclear weapons, says "the doctrine of nuclear deterrence has become ineffective against 21st century threats like terrorism, asymmetrical conflicts, environmental problems and poverty."

He says these are "even greater when we consider the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences that would follow from any use of nuclear weapons, with devastating, indiscriminate and uncontainable effects, over time and space."

Source

• CNA
• Independent
• Image: Twitter.com

During an in-flight press conference following his visit to Egypt, Francis suggested Norway as a possible mediator.

"It (Norway) is always ready to help. That is just one but there are many. But the path is the path of negotiations, of a diplomatic solution."

Francis also said the United Nations must show leadership and find diplomatic means to resolve the conflict focusing on "diplomacy and peaceful negotiation".

It needs to reassert itself as its diplomatic role had become "watered down" he said.

If he were asked to say something to help, Francis said he'd use the same advice as he gives others in similar situations: to follow the path of diplomacy.

"The path is the path of negotiation, the path of diplomatic solutions," he said.

"This world war in pieces of which I've been talking about for two years, more or less, it's in pieces, but the pieces have gotten bigger, they are concentrated, they are focused on points that are already hot ...[and]... in North Korea ... too hot".

Source

• Radio NZ
• National Catholic Register
• Image: Religion Dispatches

Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Auza, speaking to the UN's Commission on Population and Development, said "differing regional and even country specific situations" need to be taken into account when speaking about demographic changes.

Auza noted that populations are growing in some countries, while stabilizing in others, but pointed out some countries are experiencing a "spiraling demographic decline."

Auza's reference to a "population bomb" is a reference to the 1968 book of the same title written by Stanford professor Paul R. Ehrlich, who predicted that by the 1980s mass starvation and other consequences of food shortages caused by overpopulation would lead to social upheavals across the world.

Despite the inaccuracy of his forecasts, Ehrlich still supports the central thesis of his work: Massive government population control measures, including artificial birth control and abortion, are needed to protect the planet's future.

Ehrlich was controversially invited to a conference earlier this year on Pope Francis's ecological document Laudato Si', sponsored by the Pontifical Academies of Science and Social Sciences.

Auza said the idea of a "population bomb" has led certain governments to adopt policies that encourage population control measures as the easiest response to the fear of resource scarcity and underdevelopment, adding that some of these policies are "draconian."

The most obvious example of such a policy would be in China, where a "one child" policy has led to forced abortions, and the limiting of civil rights for anyone who has more children than the government allows.

The archbishop, while not naming Ehrlich in his address, countered his arguments by saying "demographic growth is fully compatible with shared prosperity."

Auza said while "responsible parenthood and sexual behavior are always moral imperatives," the use of "coercive regulation of fertility" undermines freedom and responsibility. Continue reading

Sources

• Crux article by Charles Collins, managing editor of Crux
• Image: Vatican Radio

They say the money is used to fund forced abortions and sterilisations in China.

"This is a victory for women and children across the globe, as well as for US taxpayers, " says Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Dolan is the chairman of the US bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities. Read more

In this he urged the UN to "commit ... to a world without nuclear weapons". Read more

To ban or not to ban?

Francis says ban all nukes.

He made his view plain in a message read this week at the "United Nations conference aimed at negotiating a legally binding instrument on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, leading to their total elimination."

The nuclear powers have boycotted the conference. They include Russia, India, China, Japan and Pakistan.

The UK, US and France are opposed to the idea of a nuclear ban. They are at the conference, fighting for their perspective.

U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is leading opposition to the ban, said of the conference's purpose "you have to ask yourself, are they looking out for their people?

"Do they really understand the threats that we have? Our job is to protect the people in our country."

Haley said while she'd like to see a world without nuclear weapons, it wasn't a realistic aim.

The Holy See admits its goal is a "demanding" and "forward-looking" one.

Speaking on Francis's behalf at the conference, Msgr. Antoine Camilleri said if the main threats to a peaceful, secure society are taken into account ...

"... not a few doubts arise regarding the inadequacy of nuclear deterrence as an effective response to such challenges."

He noted these combined with the "catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences" that would follow the use of nuclear weapons make the goal a moral and ethical necessity.

Source

• CNA
• Nikkei Asian Review
• EconoTimes
• Scroll.In
• Crux
• Image: Planet Deadly

She was visiting as the UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City (IHC).

The Princess and the Pope discussed world hunger. Both seek to end hunger for the millions who suffer around the world.

HRH Princess Haya briefed the Pope about Dubai's International Humanitarian City, and how it has grown since 2003, under the direction of her husband Shaikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai.

It is now the world's largest and busiest humanitarian aid logistics hub.

Other topics the Princess and the Pope discussed included Shaikh Mohammed's recently launched initiatives.

These include the Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Tolerance, which will lay the base for developing tolerant young Arab leaders and support a promotion of values that reflect tolerance and openness.

Another is the International Institute of Tolerance (the first of its kind in the Arab world).

It will offer advice and views on policies to promote values of tolerance among nations, publish studies and research reports to instill the principle of acceptance among youth.

Princess Haya then attended the 'United for Peace' football match and immediately after met an airlift from IHC to travel to Haiti to deliver 90 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Hurricane Matthew victims.

Following the meeting, Princess Haya attended the latest edition of the Soccer Match for Peace at Rome's Olympic Stadium.

As part of the opening ceremony,Princess Haya was asked by the Vatican to plant an olive tree of peace at the Olympic Stadium.

She then flew to Haiti on an IHC airlift to personally deliver and oversee the distribution of relief supplies to Haiti's Hurricane Matthew victims.

At least 1.4 million people require immediate attention, with almost 300,000 people residing in temporary shelters as many small towns and villages have been wiped off the map.

Source

• MENAFN.COM
• Image: Emirates 24/7

SPIEGEL: Mrs. Gates, how does it feel to be so rich that you can use your money to influence the lives of millions of people?

Gates: Our money looks huge, but it's actually not when you look at the range of projects that we're going after. Bill and I believe philanthropy can only be effective if it starts things and proves whether they actually work or not. That's the place that governments often don't want to, or can't, work. We might take on six candidates for developing a malaria vaccine knowing that five will fall away. But we'll get one hit. And to meet a mom and know that her baby is alive and that we had something to do with it, that feels great.

SPIEGEL: Why didn't you just entrust your fortune to an institution like the media mogul Ted Turner, who donated a billion dollars to the United Nations?

Gates: Bill and I felt like we had something to add from the private sector. He started Microsoft; I worked there for nine years. We felt the private sector has a view of things that is beneficial to this work. You bring a kind of thinking, an entrepreneurial thinking. And then, if it works, governments can scale it up.

SPIEGEL: Are you not challenging the UN's leadership role when it comes to development aid?

Gates: Every single thing we do has to be done with governments. Look, we could go out and spend the entire resource in two years. Gone, done. But would we have a catalytic effect? Would we have left something behind? Would we have saved as many maternal lives or childhood lives? The answer would be no. Continue reading

• Source: Spiegel Online
• Image: GirltalkHQ

But in my first days here I have been struck by the extent of trauma people have experienced - and real worries that the violence that has rocked South Sudan since mid-December may not be over.

The capital of Juba is calm, but it is only "outwardly" so, one of the Catholic sisters I have been interviewing told me.

And the calm hides anger and grievances that could, with the right kindling, flare up again.

Fear and worry are palpable.

Last Sunday, I attended a Mass at a displacement camp run by the U.N., and after the service, several young men expressed real concern about what may be ahead.

They and their families - Juba residents - had been displaced in the recent violence and are not going back to their neighbourhoods because they are afraid for their lives.

"It is hard for us because the fighting is still going on, and we could still be killed," said John Khalid Mamun, 32.

The violence stems from multiple layers of political and ethnic tension and grievance.

Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes and communities, undermining hope for the future of a country barely three years old. Continue reading.

Chris Herlinger is a writer and journalist, particularly on humanitariam issues. He is currently in South Sudan with the National Catholic Reporter, covering the situation of political tension and escalating violence in the world's newest country.

Source: National Catholic Reporter

Image: CWS Global

Crimea was once an independent Tatar khanate, captured by Russia in the 18th century.

The Tatars were deported by Stalin as punishment for alleged collaboration with the Nazis — although some fought on either side in World War II.

In 1954, Nikita Khruschev (then Soviet leader), gifted the territory to Ukraine.

The decision was of no practical consequence at the time since both Russia and Ukraine were simply states within the USSR. There was, however, no public (or even parliamentary) consultation.

In the Gorbachev era, many Tatars returned. They now form about 12 per cent of the population (about 60 per cent are Russian, the remainder Ukrainians, Bulgarians etc.).

Strategically, Crimea is important for its natural resources and its ice-free, deepwater port of Sevastopol, a major base of Russia's powerful Black Sea Fleet.

The international law claims are as complex as the history. Continue reading.

Justin Glyn SJ is a student of philosophy and theology in Melbourne who holds a PhD in international and administrative law.

Source: Eureka Street

Image: ShutterStock

The comments from Vatican Spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi, come as part of a response to the UN Committee's report into the rights of children.

However in a statement he also accused the Committee of going beyond its competencies and jurisdiction.

Lombardi said the Committee's remarks gave "indications involving moral evaluations of contraception, or abortion, or education in families, or the vision of human sexuality, in light of [the Committee's] own ideological vision of sexuality itself."

Lombardi also accused the UN Committee of neglecting to attend to information actually submitted by the Vatican regarding the Holy See's response to sexual abuse.

He expressed alarm, that instead, the UN relied on reports from groups invested in criticising the Church.

Lombardi also expressed amazement at the UN's lack of understanding that the Vatican does not control the behaviour of priests in every country of the world and is not responsible for law enforcement efforts outside of its own restricted jurisdiction.

He accused the United Nations committee of a "lack of understanding of the specific nature of the Holy See".

The UN report also came under fire from Fr Thomas Reese SJ a senior analyst for NCR, who called the report "missed opportunity".

Reece admits the Church's response to sexual abuse was disastrous, "When it comes to the historical record, the church deserves to be raked over the coals," he said.

However, in omitting to examine the Vatican's current policies, procedures and how they are now being enforced, Reece says the UN failed to do the hard work, making the recommendations meaningless.

Sources

• Vatican Radio
• NCR
• Image: Fox News

Cardinal O'Malley, in a blog post, said he would have thought that the competency of UN commission was to examine the policies and practices of their member nations, and had they focused on that task "they would have been able to make what I would consider a valuable contribution."

Rather, "they extrapolated to the life of the Church, which is not their competency, and interjected many of their own ideological preferences," he said.

"They also appear to have not taken into account the hard work that has been done in many parts of the world.

"It is very easy to get the headlines when you criticise the church, however, I do not think the commission's report has been either fair or particularly helpful."

Cardinal O'Malley said he hoped that the report would lead to "greater resolve by those in the Holy See to be more proactive on this issue and to cooperate with the new commission on child protection that the Holy Father is establishing."

Sources

• Cardinal Sean O'Malley's blog
• News Herald

With the failure of United Nations-brokered peace talks in Geneva, Fr Frans Van der Lugt, told 'The Telegraph' that food has run out and starvation is beginning to cause people to lose their minds.

Speaking via Skype he described Homs as "a lawless jungle".

The 75 year old Dutch priest told of how residents, cut off for more than an year are developing mental health problems, leading to a breakdown of social order.

"We are trying our best to behave in a fraternal way so we don't turn on each other for the hunger", he said.

The priest took to using social media, posting a video on YouTube after the United Nations failed in its effort to get support for humanitarian aid.

For more than a year no food has been allowed in and no one is allowed out, he said.

Fr Van der Lugt, who has lived in Syria since 1966, told 'The Telegraph' the Old City used to be home to 60,000 Christians, with 10 churches in the besieged areas. "Now I find myself alone with only 66 other Christians," he said, adding that they have a close relationship with the Muslim residents who are also trapped in the siege.

"We are afraid that the international community has abandoned us. They look for their interests, this is politics, but they have to know that the Syrian people are suffering," he said.

Sources:

• The Telegraph
• Image: National Post

Numbers, we've learned time and time again, can be deceiving. After looking over the U.N. study, the BBC concludes that reports that excerpted this statistic failed to include the fact that the research was based on 10,000 men in six countries.

Bangladesh and Indonesia made up half the sample, and the rest were from Sri Lanka, China, Papua New Guinea and Cambodia. Clearly the size of the sample cannot be representative of the half billion male residents in Asia and the Pacific, explains the BBC: Continue reading

"It is sadly ironic that states vociferous in their condemnation of chemical weapons are silent on the continued possession of nuclear weapons," said Archbishop Francis Chullikatt.

"The international community must appeal and act with one voice to ban all weapons of mass destruction."

Continue reading

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has for "detailed information on all cases of child sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy, brothers, or nuns" as part of a review of the Vatican's adherence to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Vatican has until January to compile the information, in time for a meeting of the UN committee, at which Vatican officials will be questioned.

The questions cover the steps the Holy See has taken to prevent accused clergy from having access to children, about bishops who have failed to report allegations to the police, about what investigations the Church has run and what compensation or counselling the Church has offered victims, and about the safeguarding measures the Church has put in place to prevent future abuse.

The request — the most wide-ranging probe the committee has ever initiated — makes specific mention of abuse within the Legion of Christ and Ireland's Magdalene laundries.

The questions are part of a periodic monitoring process which all nations that adhere to the Convention on the Rights of the Child must go through.

The request to the Holy See follows a meeting the committee had with representatives of the United States-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

The Holy See's diplomatic mission in Geneva — where the committee is based - said it is ready to respond to the questions but warned against potential "exploitation" of the information it provides.

A statement by the Holy See in 2011, posted on the UN website in October 2012, reminded the committee of reservations on legal jurisdiction and other issues it made when it signed the global pact. It said any new "interpretation" would give the Holy See grounds "for terminating or withdrawing" from the treaty.

Sources:

BBC

Reuters

Vatican Insider

Image: Universal Peace Federation