austraLasia #3406

 
Bringing it together - Regions with 2020 vision

ROME: 29 March 2014 --  To complete the 'Team', the Regionals need to be added, knowing that:
(1) GC27 has not wanted to alter C. 133, 140 in any way regarding the role of the Regional as a full member of the General Council and
(2) The reconfiguration of the former three Regions of Europe and Middle East in two.

With this in mind the Regionals nominated and voted on after discussion, within the Region, are then put to the Assembly for a definitive vote. The results are listed below
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Regionals for 2014-2020
Africa-Madagascar (new Regional): Fr Américo Chaquisse - from Mozambique

America-South Cone (Regional confirmed): Fr Natale Vitali

East Asia-Oceania (new/old Regional): Fr Václav Klement

Interamerica (new Regional): Fr Tim Ploch

Mediterranean (new Region, new Regional): Fr Stefano Martoglio

North-Central Europe (new Region, New Regional): Fr Tadeusz Rozmus

South Asia (Regional confirmed): Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga

RMG/UPS is also a Region but since all the General Council members are 'inside' it, there is obviously no need for additional representation on the Council.
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And since it Regions are under discussion, below is a statement from within our region (where there are many events happening of interest - the loss of and search for MH370, the peace deal between the Philippines Gov. and the MILF, Michelle Obama's visit to China ...).
It has been sent in by Archbishop Charles Bo SDB, Archbishop of Yangon, and a forthright voice for social justice in Myanmar

STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP CHARLES BO ON THE CENSUS PROCESS IN MYANMAR.

The first census process after reform measures were taken in this country is taking place now.  Despite various apprehensions expressed by local people, especially the ethnic communities and well-meaning foreign observers, we welcome this process, hoping that a sincere, transparent Census process can be a great opportunity for ushering in peace in this long-suffering nation.

We understand the Census process paves way for better planning in development and peace.  We are sure the government, with the help of the international community, has launched into this ambitious project with the intention of ushering in a prosperous and peaceful future for every citizen of Myanmar, especially the  most vulnerable and the people on the margins.

We urge the government to ensure  the following :

*       The process should be totally transparent, strictly following international standards, allowing local and international monitors into the process.
*       The  census teams should comprise  men and women from all cultures
*       That the process affirm the traditional culture, traditional resource-holding patterns and protect all cultural symbols and meaning systems
*       That no attempt be made to change the demographic nature of  any area, making sure that all people in areas that were traditionally identified as ethnic areas are not diluted into other demographic shifts.
*       That  no attempt is made to change the three pillars of  people's existence :   identity, culture and  resources.  These three form the constitutive element of the ethos of the people and any attempt, overt or covert, should be resisted in the interests of durable peace.
*       Community assets form the  soul of many communities. As such forests, waters and land are questions that could provoke conflicts. Sensitivity  to local perceptions will pave the way for peace.
*       This country is a country of migrants and displaced people.  They are sons and daughters of this land.  Efforts are made to wipe out their memory and their possessions.  Every effort must be made to enumerate the details of these people and ensure that they return to their original land.
*       The documentation process needs to be robust, meeting international standards, ensuring that  all documents are completed at ground level without any scope for manipulation later  away from the people who underwent the census process.

Myanmar's march towards peace and prosperity is an arduous  journey. The government and the international community should ensure that major events like the Census ensure a confidence building measure, instilling a sense of belonging in a nation, where justice and fair play ensure the rights of the the most vulnerable communities.  Census offers a golden opportunity for peace.

Any myopic attempt to circumvent this opportunity is a recipe for long years of mutual suspicion and conflict.  I do hope the sagacity  and a vision for peace and prosperity  guides us all in this moment of truth.