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Resolution to Promote the Basic Rights of All, Especially Those Who Have Had Leprosy
Posted on 17 August 2009 by
Adopted in Rome in May 2009, “A Quest for Justice” resolution stresses the fact that leprosy is curable, that using the word “leper” today is inappropriate and that people who have had leprosy are equal partners.
The Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO) is concerned to carry forward the legacy of Father Damien by emphasising his significance to today’s world, in which more and more is being done to advance the human rights of all persons everywhere. To this end AIFO is taking the initiative to organise a series of events that are to take place around the canonization of Father Damien, which is to be held in St Peters Square, the Vatican City, on Sunday 11th October 2009.
A resolution drafted by AIFO and signed by the International Association for the Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA), the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations (ILEP) and AIFO member groups in Italy, was presented to Mon. Harvey, the Head of the Vatican Prefecture, in May, when it was formally adopted.
This resolution notes that the canonization of Father Damien for his service to people with leprosy “provides … an unprecedented opportunity to focus the world’s attention on the modern-day realities of leprosy … and enables us to promote issues of justice and human rights that were the cornerstone of his work.”
It is hoped by many that the Vatican might declare Father Damien, on his sainthood, the patron saint of human rights.
Click on link to read this resolution in full.
http://www.aifo.it/english/resources/announcements/2009/resolution.htm
You can express your support and sign this resolution by writing to Felicita Veluri at:
felicita.veluri@aifo.it
One of the events being organised by AIFO is a candle-lit march on Saturday 10th October 2009 proclaiming solidarity with all marginalised groups who face discrimination. If you would like to participate, please contact Felicita Veluri at: Felicita Veluri at: felicita.veluri@aifo.it
For full programme of events click on the following link:
http://www.aifo.it/english/resources/announcements/2009/fr_damien_events.htm
NB: Please note that this programme is still evolving so there may be slight changes
Categories: Members, News and Notes