European countries need to accelerate and increase their support for other nations in the world in this phase of the global pandemic. At the end of their one day meeting on Saturday 24th of April the secretaries general of the Catholic Justice and Peace Europe network launched an urgent appeal to European leaders to reinforce the COVAX facility and other bi- and multilateral aid mechanisms.

 

During the annual meeting the representatives of more than 20 national Justice and Peace commissions and other Catholic organisations reported on their activities under the conditions of the pandemic. The proceedings also included informative testimonies of Justice & Peace activists in Brazil and Uganda.

 

In both countries - as is also currently the case in India - and actually in 90% of the countries in the world, essential health services are disrupted. The European Union, its members states and other European countries have helped generously in recent months. Now, however, it is necessary and urgent to step up efforts. More non-governmental initiatives are needed, including on the part of Catholic relief organisations.*

 

In a further round of discussions with Father Gianni Criveller, Mr Ben Rogers and Mrs Miriam Lexmann MEP the participants considered the prospect for a Comprehensive EU China Agreement on Investment after the harsh implementation of a new Security Law in Hong Kong and human rights infringements by the Communist regime in China.

 

In the course of the coming weeks and in the light of their discussions and reports on Saturday, delegates of JP Europe will determine the theme of their annual concerted action 2022. The annual general assembly will take place in Belgium from 1 – 4 October 2021.

 

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