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Life

Building
a World
of Justice

2011
 Building a world Contents
of justice

T
Our presence in the world 2

his is the vision that has sustained Agriculture and access to land
Development and Peace for almost Agriculture as a lever for development 4
Brazil Voice of the landless 5
45 years. Fidelity to it has meant walking Afghanistan Reclaiming dignity—The courage of Zeinab 6
with partners in the Global South as they Sierra Leone Essential radio—Producing better, together and forever—
Our rights are finally respected 7
work to overcome poverty and systemic injustice,
often in the face of great difficulty. Accent on Peace
Middle East Bishop Grecco speaks of his visit 8
As a ShareLife agency, Development and Peace has been Iraq Opting for peace 9
Israel / Palestine Knowing the other 10
supported in this work by the generosity of parishioners in Gaza Strip Smiling once more 11
the Archdiocese of Toronto. Lebanon An academy for peace 11

There is a wealth of stories to be told about Development Promoting and defending rights
and Peace partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Madagascar The Taratra project—The Church defends the rights of miners 12
Mexico A partner on the side of the poorest—
the Middle East, some of them in this magazine. They Interview with the three women 13
include the story of Burundi’s Episcopal Peace and Justice
Commission, which organized the participation of over 2,000 Focus on Timor-Leste
election observers for the country’s June 2010 election; and The long road to democracy 14
an account of the work of INSAN, in Iraq, to provide both New law for a young nation 15
Respect for justice grows 15
assistance to those displaced by war and support for post-war
social and economic rebuilding. Women and Development
Women’s human rights 16
Christ set for us the ultimate example of love, charity, Democratic Republic of the Congo
compassion and justice. In November 2010, Pope Benedict Ending sexual violence—“join their struggle” 16-17
Benin Women forging new livelihoods 18-19
said that lay people, as “free and responsible citizens”,
are invested with “the immediate task of working for a Citizen Participation
† Thomas C. Collins just social order.” Paraguay A new law 20
Archbishop of Toronto Guatemala Men and women united against domestic violence 20
This Lent, I invite you to take to heart the example set by Honduras Shedding light on a coup 20
Guinea For peaceful elections 21
Christ and the words of Pope Benedict by supporting the
work of Development and Peace through a generous gift Burundi Elections
to ShareLife. You are warmly invited to join the community Voting for the first time 22
of Development and Peace members and partners in Smooth, with some flaws 23
Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East as they strive Observers in the service of democracy 23
to build a world of justice, a world where all live in dignity Emergency Relief
and peace. ❖ A year of emergencies 24-25
Haiti We will never give up—Building stronger homes—
Religious communities help many 26-27
Pakistan Fateful day—The July 2010 floods 28
Development and Peace in numbers 29

Development and Peace

Conception and coordination: Ryan Worms, François Gloutnay
Photography: Development and Peace, Panos Pictures, Raisa Mirza, Dick Mynen
Design: Turcotte Design
Printing: AGL graphique

development and peace | share Life 2011 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 1
 Our presence
in the World
Iraq Afghanistan
Lebanon

One human Israel

Palestinian
Territories

family Pakistan

Bangladesh
Mexico
Haiti
Honduras Senegal Philippines
Guatemala Nigeria
El Salvador Guinea
Nicaragua Benin Cambodia
Togo Sri Lanka
Sierra Leone
Colombia
Brazil
Ecuador
Democratic Indonesia
Republic of Rwanda
the Congo Burundi

Timor-Leste
Peru

I
Zambia
n the Caritas the marginalised and When we truly feel We view all global
Internationalis persecuted. Madagascar the suffering of others, issues through the lens
Bolivia family, which When we start to see Zimbabwe we cannot help but of the poor and we
Development global issues in terms question the reasons for seek the transformation
and Peace is part of ‘people’ – in terms of that suffering. It is not of unjust systems
Paraguay
of, we believe that all individual lives – we are enough to merely ease that perpetuate
social and economic far more likely to begin the suffering – we have poverty, whether
systems should serve to feel real compassion to challenge its causes they be economic,
the common good, for those affected. and do our best to political or cultural.
rather than the interests Compassion means South Africa prevent future suffering. When you support
of elite minorities. “to suffer with” and Development
We maintain that the it therefore goes and Peace, you are
morality of any society hand in hand with reaching some of the
can be judged on the the core value of poorest communities
basis of how it treats solidarity – that sense we serve as Caritas
its most vulnerable of responsibility we feel around the world and
members. In our for others by virtue of becoming with Caritas
humanitarian work our interdependence as a sign and symbol
and in our advocacy members of one human of God’s love for all
campaigns, we exercise family. humanity.
a preferential option for  
the poor, prioritising Lesley-Anne Knight
the hungry, the weak, Secretary General,
Caritas Internationalis
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 2 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 3
 Agriculture and access to land

Developing leaders,
claiming their rights.
Brazilian landless make
themselves heard with
the MST.

In Brazil, four million

Agriculture as a lever farm families have

“
no land to cultivate.

for development Brazil I believe that agrarian reform

A
is one of the most important
gricultural projects have reclaimed their are still suffering Voice of the landless needs of today’s world. But a

place in development strategies as a result
of the 2008 global financial crisis, which
was accompanied by a serious food crisis.
That is why food security has become the Canadian
International Development Agency’s third priority
theme.
But this renewed interest in food production and
agricultural land is not exclusive to international
development agencies. Large multinational agro-
food businesses, investment funds, and wealthy
countries all see a growing market there, a good
opportunity to make profits.
The competition for land has begun. It will be
B
from hunger. Two
billion more people razil is a new world power. The size of the country just land reform will impact
are experiencing and its natural resources make it a major player in
food shortages. Latin America. But this is also one of the countries
our agricultural model, our
Guaranteeing in which inequalities are the greatest, especially in production modes and, finally,
small farmers, rural
workers and landless
rural areas.
Brazil has the second highest concentration of land
the food we eat. We have to have
peasants sustainable ownership in the world. Two percent of the landowners own this debate together. We hope
access to the use 49 percent of the country’s land, two-thirds of which is not the new government can help us
and ownership of cultivated. There are also four million landless families. These
land is fundamental. families swell the ranks of migrants who end up living in the by encouraging the creation of
Without that, it will favelas (urban slums) of the country’s large cities. forums for dialogue. Society as
Small-scale be impossible for them to earn sufficient income to When talking about social justice in Brazil, one must address a whole must participate in the

fierce and it will make the battle being waged by
Development and Peace’s partners to institute
just land reform in their countries all the more
difficult. The battles for control of agricultural
land have already begun. Populations are being
displaced and farm leaders are being assassinated. As
in Colombia, our partners are risking their lives to
protect farmers and enforce their rights.
Although there is enough food to meet the
needs of the world’s population, one billion people
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 4
agriculture is a feed their families and live with dignity.
powerful lever Hunger and poverty decline when small farmers
for development
and peace.
have access to land and they unite to share their
tools and knowledge to ensure better profitability.
The work carried out and the results obtained
by Development and Peace’s partners in
agricultural production have forged the following
conviction: when peasant farming is sustainable and
equitable, it is a powerful lever for opening the way to
development and peace. ❖
”
the question of land reform. This is the struggle being carried
out by the MST (the Landless Rural Workers Movement), a discussions and establishment of
partner of Development and Peace for the past 25 years. genuine agrarian reform.
As a result of MST’s action, hundreds of thousands of
families have obtained land to cultivate, received technical Gilmar Mauro, MST National Coordinator
training, and have become members of agricultural co-
operatives. In this way, they are able to escape poverty. The
MST is the voice of the Brazilian peasants, a voice that must
not be silenced, lest the country’s authorities turn their backs
on their needs. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 5
Agriculture and access to land
Training provides
these young women
The courage
with a fresh start.
Afghanistan of Zeinab
Reclaiming dignity
At 15, Zeinab was married to an older
man who was a drug addict and
I
unable to meet the basic needs of his
n Afghanistan, Development and Peace is working to promote
wife and their children. Her situation
equality between men and women and peaceful coexistence among the
worsened when her husband took a
different ethnic and political groups. We are supporting in particular
second wife and refused to provide
a program that focuses on poor women in rural areas. The program is
her with any help. Determined,
designed to stimulate agricultural and economic development in the country’s
Zeinab actively participated in the
central and western provinces by creating employment opportunities for
self-help groups sponsored by
women and increasing the family income of the poorest households.
Development and Peace through its
This program originated in India, where it has proven itself by increasing
local partners in Kushk. She actively
the chances for women’s participation in the economic, social and political
participated in training courses in
life of the community. It consists of forming women’s self-help and financial
basic farming, weaving techniques
support groups. The establishment of such a program in Afghanistan has
and management.
enabled hundreds of women like Zeinab to become more autonomous and
Today, she can sell her products in the
more entrepreneurial every day, thus improving their lives. ❖
market, where farmers and traditional
craftsmen have made a place for
her. Zeinab and her children are now
eating their fill. They have regained
their dignity and an acceptable place
within the community. Zeinab and her
Sewing, crafts,
fellow trainees also meet regularly
to discuss social issues that concern
agricultural them. Thanks to this program and
production. their own courage, these women
The courses offered are helping to gradually change the
are varied. status of women, who are traditionally
excluded in the Afghan countryside.
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 6
Essential
radio
African women
are often in
charge of
feeding the
family.
Sierra Leone
Producing better,
Recording a broadcast at Eastern Community Radio.
together and forever
Some 6,000 families in Sierra Leone, connected through farmers’ associations,
“I started out as a sports columnist.
are eating better and participating in their villages’ development thanks to a
My commitment to radio and the program developed in partnership with the Network Movement for Justice and
training received by the Eastern Development (NMJD) and Eastern Community Radio.
Community Radio station allowed
me to become head of programming.
In more than 125 villages, cultivated acreage has increased by 50 percent
thanks to the seeds, farm tools and support offered by these two long-time
Those training sessions were very partners of Development and Peace. It is a giant step for this country,
important. Thanks to them, the station which has been devastated by more than ten years of war and always posts one
became more professional and is
of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world.
now recognized for its independence
What makes this initiative unique is the participation of the communities
and objectivity. The training has to
in all stages of the project. Nearly thirty farmers’ associations or co-operatives
continue, especially with the upcoming
have been set up. The civic education activities, educational radio broadcasts
presidential elections in 2012. These
and adult literacy programs have enabled women, youth and men from these
elections will be crucial for maintaining
communities to take charge of their own future. Women make up half the
peace in Sierra Leone, especially in the
members of the farmers’ associations. The most profitable farms are often run
east, our broadcast area. The issues
by women who have benefited from the support of our partners.
will be hot and the reporters, old and
Efforts must now be continued to ensure that these achievements are
new, must be well prepared to play their
sustainable. Agricultural education, democratic participation, knowledge
proper role of providing information
and protection of their rights are part of the ongoing program for leaders of
and promoting elections that are free
the farmers’ associations. The idea is to build capacity to improve the living
and transparent and without violence.” conditions of farming families in their region.
Ismael, head of programming, Eastern “Producing better, together and forever.” That’s more than just a slogan
Community Radio chanted by our partners in Sierra Leone. It’s a genuine social project. ❖
Kono mining region
Our rights are finally respected
A compensation program for people whose property was expropriated by the mine in the Kono region
in eastern Sierra Leone was signed after years of tension and mobilization by the public. This victory is
a result of the advocacy work carried out by those affected in partnership with NMJD, a Development
and Peace partner. Nearly fifty houses have been built and transferred to the people who suffered
expropriation. The company has also paid to build the local market. Other compensation has been
promised and should be paid soon.
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 7
ACCENT ON Peace
it is an effective step in the direction of non-violence and
human dignity. It is a spark of hope, and hope is what
they and the world long for. Fadi hopes to build a Peace
Academy in Lebanon to train people to run seminars on
conflict resolution.

Dialogue between future leaders

I also saw the work of the Friendship Village, a
Palestinian/Israeli centre bringing together young Arab
Muslims, Christians and Jews to live together. They use
focus groups for discussion. I met Jonatan Peled and
a group of about 20 Israeli and Palestinian university
students, including a member from each of two Israeli
political parties: Likud and Kadima.
I asked these bright young men and women what it
was like to meet and talk with one another. One woman
immediately responded, “It was good to talk with the
Israelis instead of talking about them.” Another young
woman said, “Simply speaking my mind makes me feel
like a winner.”
It wasn’t all profundities and pleasantries. One
young Palestinian man spoke passionately about the
humiliation of the wall being constructed through
Bishop Grecco, along with Jerusalem and the ignominy of crossing daily INSAN is at
Paul Cliche of Development through one of the many checkpoints in one’s own the service IraQ
of displaced
Opting
and Peace, visits projects neighbourhood simply to commute to work or to visit
in the region. family. At the end of our meeting, an Israeli went directly people.
to that young man to say he had not realized the extent

middle east
of the humiliation.
On a political level, Development and Peace is for peace
I
helping young Palestinian and Israeli university students
Bishop Richard Grecco of Charlottetown meet each other and share their ideas and feelings. This
is a relatively small effort, but it is the kind of open,
n Iraq, the situation remains unstable and
particularly violent for the inhabitants of
speaks of his visit direct dialogue that does not seem to be happening certain regions. That is the case in Kirkuk,

“
today among political
Most people put the emphasis on “development,” but the title and mandate of leaders. Perhaps these
Development and Peace, a member of Caritas Internationalis, is clearly as much future leaders will have
a better chance to lead
“Peace in the
about “peace.” My visit to Lebanon and Israel last year gave me the opportunity to see, people towards peaceful
with great delight and pride, the results of the many peace projects that Development co-existence.
in the northern part of the country, where
political forces linked to several ethnic and
religious communities are competing for the
region’s oil wealth.
Middle East Development and Peace has worked since
2004 with an organization in Kirkuk called INSAN.
would have a

”
and Peace supports in the Middle East. The commitment of the organization to
building peace is found not only in its name but also deep within its actions.
Courageous peace-building
Tens of thousands of Palestinians are confined to
refugee camps in Lebanon, where they have been
without work for the last two decades. Imagine
the potential for frustration, humiliation and rage
in these camps. Much of that is acted out among
themselves. Development and Peace partner
Fadi Abi Allam of the Permanent Peace Movement
in Lebanon courageously runs conflict resolution
workshops and seminars in the camps.
Such a peace-building initiative may seem small
in the sea of human misery found in the camps, but
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 8
A message
for Lent global impact.”
We are called as Christians
to bring the peace of God into the world. The Middle
East is the place above all where peace needs to be
celebrated, because it is the birthplace of Judaism and
Christianity and the centre of the Muslim faith. The
Middle East is a flash point that could erupt globally.
As I offered Eucharist in the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the force of the Prayer for Peace
and the Sign of Peace before Holy Communion struck
me deeply and emotionally. I thought about Fadi and
Jonatan. Development and Peace is about peace-
building as much as it is about development, especially in
the Middle East. ❖
Text by Bishop Richard Grecco
Development and Peace supports INSAN’s
emergency assistance programs for internally
displaced persons and its social and economic
reconstruction programs.
INSAN is a well-established organization in
today’s Iraq, allowing it to advocate directly for
the needs of displaced persons with the political
authorities.
The Kirkuk committees of internally displaced
persons work with the government on issues such as
housing and access to drinking water.
INSAN also advocates for more resources for
local authorities so they can meet the population’s
needs in high-risk areas.
Meeting the needs of the poorest and
determining how best to prevent and resolve
conflicts are priorities for INSAN. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 9
 ACCENT ON Peace

ISRAEL/PALESTINE
Knowing
the other
D
evelopment and Peace works with
Palestinians and Israelis. Its mandate in
the region is to bring together groups
that are in conflict to build relationships
based on trust and mutual understanding, and
to defend human rights in the Holy Land. In a
climate of openness to others, of understanding Gaza strip
and recognition of the rights and needs of all, our
partners are trying to build solidarity and respect.
Smiling once more
C
The Israeli NGO Friendship Village focuses on
education for peace and dialogue, with projects hildren born in the Palestinian Territories have never
aimed at both Israeli and Palestinian students, known peace. Growing up, they have witnessed constant

“
teachers and activists from youth organizations. violence and the destruction of their homes. More
Development and Peace supports an inter- I would like to thank you as a Palestinian participant recently, they have been the innocent victims of military
cultural and inter-political dialogue between young in this project. I was a prisoner for 25 years and I was active intervention in the heart of their city.
Israelis and Palestinians, aimed at young people in the first Intifada. But then I began to think we could achieve Such tragedies leave not only physical scars, they leave
aged 20 to 35 years of age from various religious and psychological ones as well. To respond to the situation of such
political backgrounds. A dozen Arab and Palestinian our rights through peaceful means and dialogue with the children, Development and Peace has partnered with Caritas
men and women have an exceptional opportunity other side. I found these meetings difficult at first, but in the end, Switzerland and the Youth Enhancement Centre (YEC) to offer a
to meet and interact with an equal number of young they have been very useful and have achieved more than psychological counselling program in the Gaza Strip. Two centres

”
Israelis. Together, while freely sharing emotions and I thought they could. I feel that I’ve changed, and so has t give children the opportunity to express and overcome their trauma
realities, they seek solutions that they hope will build he other side, by getting to know one another. through activities such as drawing, theatre and sports.
lasting peace. Ibrahem Mosalam, member of Fateh council, former prisoner Through drawing, children With the help of skilled workers, these centres will enable some
The testimony of participants shows that everyone free themselves of images 4,700 children to recover psychological and emotional stability. The
yearns to recognize the other, to accept their that haunt them. workers support the families, identify the children’s disorders and
differences and respect their rights. These young Sitting together at guide the parents so they can participate fully in their children’s
people want to find ways to live together in peace. a meal or at a meeting healing. ❖
At the end of this program of exchange, dialogue and changes our perception
training, they are ready to make a commitment and of the other person. Lebanon
An academy for peace
contribute personally to the establishment of peace
in their respective communities. ❖

“ L
ebanon is a land rich in history, soldiers), and the role of women in conflict Another goal is to provide organizations,
Both sides, the Palestinians and peoples and cultures that resolution. The organization also works political leaders and diplomats with the
the Israelis, have lived for long time with have to co-exist. The work of on reconciling youth and cultures through tools to better manage conflict situations.
the feeling that there is no one on the Development and Peace in the arts and solidarity A movement to support
other side to talk to. I believe that this country promotes democracy and a projects that show that the Peace Academy was set up
programs like this one help to turn the
impossible daily reality of the two sides
culture of dialogue and respect for human
rights. To achieve this, one of our partners,
people yearn to live in
a constructive and non-
Learning to last year and Development
and Peace is part of that
into an honest and open dialogue, and the Permanent Peace Movement (PPM), is
endeavouring, with our help, to create a
violent manner.
The Peace Academy
live in peace is movement. Its help will be
aimed at mapping out all the
promote the possibility of solutions based
on mutual recognition and respect. Peace Academy. is the fruit of a long the wish of the training available on peace-
This achievement can’t be ignored.
The PPM was founded in 1986 at the
height of the civil war. The organization
reflection within the
PPM. This region-specific
people in the building issues. From that data,
the Academy will become a
As a person who has participated in
other identity programs, I declare
has helped resolve conflict through institute is intended region. reference for all those working

”
awareness-raising activities, mediation for ordinary citizens as to build peace in the Middle
that this one was the best. sessions and testimonies from former well as for members of East and North Africa. ❖
Itay Gomez, Kadima Party , combatants. It also offers thematic political parties. It is aimed at providing
youth section, activist training, notably on gun control, the the region with a place where people can
status of children in armed conflicts (child learn how to prevent and resolve conflicts.
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 10 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 11
 PROMOTING AND DEFENDING RIGHTS

MADAGASCAR
The Taratra project
With the Conference of Bishops of Madagascar, Development and Peace supports
the Taratra project, a network which monitors mining activities in the Diocese of
Moramanga. Taratra focuses particularly on a new nickel mine operated by
Canadian interests.
The Taratra project has facilitated
dialogue between local workers, the mining
company and the government’s labour
inspector. Discussions have centred on weekly
rest, the right to time off and travel costs, At a press conference,
tasks that are not in compliance with the Jacinta stresses
the importance of
employment contract, failure to pay overtime, upholding justice.
wrongful dismissal, and discrimination
between local and foreign employees —
mexiCO
including a large wage gap between two Interview with
people performing the same job. A partner on the three women
The Church defends the rights the side of the What did you learn from this experience?
poorest Teresa: I learned a lot more about my rights because I
of miners
T
project. TARATRA stands for experienced the injustice in my flesh. I realize now that there
transparency for advocacy and he Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human are many injustices in our country. So many innocent people

B
ishop Gaetano Di Pierro of Moramanga
can easily list the problems that miners civil society while working
face in Madagascar. Fully committed
to promoting workers’ rights in the
Ambatovy mines, he rapidly paints a portrait of the
situation.
“There is a lack of transparency, and complaints transparent management of
filed by workers are not taken into account. A
major unresolved issue for local people is the
compensation that the mining company has
not yet paid to people who were expropriated
from their homes or have lost their farmland and
livelihoods.
“We are also very concerned about the impacts
on the environment. The primary forest is
destroyed, the rivers are polluted. This causes
dissatisfaction among villagers, who lack clean
water and are seeing the fish and other natural
resources disappear from their habitat.”
Promoting dialogue
“We have established, with support from
Development and Peace, the TARATRA
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 12
good governance. We help
empower local authorities and
with them. We inform and
educate the public by making
them aware of the country’s
Mining Code and support the
mining resources. We want to expand the meetings
for dialogue between the company and the public.
We’ve gotten some good results, but the situation is
far from satisfactory.”
Call for solidarity
“To you, Christians, and to you, men and women
of goodwill in Canada, we thank you and we
entrust this project to your commitment and
your generosity. We ask for the intercession of the
Blessed Virgin, protector of Madagascar.
“By working together, we believe that foreign
mining companies in our country will conduct
their operations with respect for the rights of
miners and local populations, and they will limit
their impact on the integrity of creation.” ❖
Rights Centre (Prodh Centre) has are still in prison.
obtained the exoneration and release Jacinta: Before, we used to hear about injustice but it didn’t
of three indigenous women—Alberta, concern us directly. Now when I see injustice, I can no longer
Teresa and Jacinta. Imprisoned for more than sit idly by.
three years, they had been sentenced to 20-year Alberta: This long absence has made me realize the
terms for allegedly having kidnapped six police importance of my family. It’s the most important thing we
officers. These wild accusations turned out to be have.
nothing more than retaliation What was the contribution
Bishop Di Pierro for having resisted the police’s of the Prodh Centre?
received by Pope attempts to intimidate and Alberta: In prison, we had no one to
Benedict XVI. blackmail them. help us. The institutions and lawyers
The Prodh Centre didn’t want to handle our case. It was
defended the three women. only when the Prodh Centre came
They proved that their to support us that we recovered our
fundamental rights had hope.
been violated and that Teresa: Every week, a representative
there had been several legal from the Prodh Centre came to visit
irregularities, including false us. Feeling that someone was there
evidence. to help us gave us courage. Since the
This case is an important Centre did that for us, I hope it will be
victory for our partners. To celebrate the release of the three women, able to help many other people.
a Mass was celebrated in the presence of their
It clearly shows the injustice families and the entire community.
Jacinta: I congratulate the Prodh
of the Mexican penal system, Centre because it never abandons
which victimizes marginalized populations such the cases it takes. I will always be grateful. Not just me, but my
as women, the poor and indigenous peoples. ❖ entire family is grateful as well.
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 13
focus on timor-leste
The long
road to
democracy
“We, the predominantly Christian people of East
Timor, like to think of the road we have taken to
freedom as the road that Jesus Christ took toward
Easter – toward the Resurrection. It is a Way of
the Cross: A Paschal experience in its deepest sense:
life through death, consolation through desolation,
freedom through oppression, justice through impunity,
victory through defeat, hope through despair.”
Bishop Belo, Road to Freedom, 2000
I
n 2002, after nearly 500 years of colonization
and foreign occupation, first by Portugal and
then by neighbouring Indonesia, Timor-Leste
finally gained its independence. The Timorese
Catholic Church had long been a repository of
Timorese culture and an outspoken shield against
human rights violations. By the 1990s the Timorese
Church, with the support of Catholic allies such
as Development and Peace, was also a strong
advocate for people-centred development.
Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, who
in 1996 would become the first
Catholic Bishop awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize, spoke out
strongly against human rights
abuses. His courage helped make
the world aware of the suffering of
his people and their struggle for
independence.
During the difficult years leading to the 1999 vote
on independence, Development and Peace
supported the work of Bishop Belo and the
Timorese Catholic Church. Development and
Peace hosted the 1993 Canadian visit of Bishop
Belo, and helped him gain the world’s attention for
his people’s suffering under Indonesia’s occupation.
Beginning in 1989 Development and Peace
started to work with the Timorese Church on
development initiatives within Timor-Leste. Two
of those early initiatives, Radio Timor Kmanek and
the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, are
Development and Peace partners today.
More recently, Development and Peace
has developed a strong focus on building women’s
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 14
organizations in Timor-Leste, motivated by women’s history of oppression
and exclusion. In 2010, Bishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva of Dili presented
Development and Peace’s first exposure tour to Timor-Leste with a
certificate of appreciation for the organization’s solidarity and support.
Timor-Leste, a new and hopeful nation, is at the same time an old society
facing many challenges caused by its history of occupation, violence and
colonization. The Timorese Catholic Church remains a full partner in
creating what Bishop Belo has called “compassionate democracy.” Through
the solidarity of Development and Peace with the Timorese Church,
Canadian Catholics are fortunate to travel with the Timorese people on their
historic “road to Easter—to Resurrection.”
“We have suffered enormous losses on our road to freedom. We must commit
ourselves to truth and reconciliation, to justice and peace. We must travel with
hope, looking behind the horizon–to a compassionate democracy. It is our road to
Easter–to Resurrection.” – Bishop Belo, Road to Freedom ❖ Minister Xanana Gusmão and President José
Bishop Ricardo
da Silva of Dili
presents an award
of thanks for
Development
and Peace to
members of the
first Timor-Leste
exposure tour.
New law
for a young
nation
“M
ore than any other facet of
modern life, we in East Timor
have felt the absence of the rule
of law ... almost any member
of the armed forces could commit a crime against
a Timorese with complete impunity ... We are
determined to bring about a modern system of law
which will place human rights at its centre.”
Bishop Belo
Developing laws is one of the most important
challenges a new nation faces. Women’s groups
supported by Development and Peace,
including the Women’s Caucus, REDE Feto
(Women’s Network) and FKSH (Women Have
Power When Working Together) were among those
“N
who developed a new law to protect women and
children from domestic violence.
Such protection is especially important in
Timor-Leste because of the many human rights
violations women suffered during the Indonesian
occupation. “Many older women are widows
because of the violence, or saw their children
killed or were themselves the victims of sexual
violence during the times of occupation,” says
Development and Peace programs officer Jess
Agustin.
The proposals were widely debated for five years
before becoming law. They gained the support
of well-known male politicians, including Prime
Ramos-Horta, who appeared in ads proclaiming:
“Stop violence against women.”
Influenced by the Catholic Church, the law
includes a focus on reuniting families and on
preventing violence. “The courts will suspend a
case for up to three months when those involved
want training,” says Maria Paixao da Costa, Vice-
President of Timor-Leste’s Parliament. When
this doesn’t work, support for families who
lose a breadwinner is available. Most important,
domestic violence is now a public crime: anyone
who witnesses an incident can report it.
This law is inspiring others in the region. “We
have been invited by a Vietnamese peace group
to help them develop their domestic violence law,”
says Maria Paixao da Costa. ❖
Former youth gang leader talking about the changes in his life helped by JPC.
Respect for
justice grows
ow, after all the training we’ve had, I have a job, things are
different.” The speaker’s leadership skills are obvious as he tells
us of recent changes in his life brought about by participation
in a program run by the Diocese of Dili’s Justice and Peace
Commission (JPC). The JPC is one of Development and Peace’s longest
Timorese partnerships. “I know better what role I should play in society.”
Before his involvement with JPC he exercised his leadership skills in a youth
gang involved in violence that rocked the newly independent nation in 2006.
That spring, pre-independence tensions flared up between Timor-Leste’s
military and police forces. By April 28, after four days of violence, five people
had been killed, more than 100 buildings destroyed, and 21,000 residents had
fled Dili. In May, gangs continued to roam the streets of the capital, burning
houses and cars. Sixteen different youth gangs were partly responsible for this
violence.
The youth of Timor-Leste have grown up without fairly applied laws
and few active courts. Under Indonesian occupation, as Bishop Belo noted,
“almost any member of the armed forces could commit a crime against a
Timorese with complete impunity.” It remains a struggle to develop respect
for the law in this young nation.
JPC documented human rights abuses and advocated for victims of
violence during the Indonesian occupation. In 1999, when the country was
devastated by armed paramilitaries vengeful after the vote for independence,
JPC helped Bishop Belo broker peace between various powerful forces.
This experience proved useful in developing an innovative peace-building
program with all 16 youth gangs involved in the 2006 conflict. JPC trained
the youth in non-violent conflict resolution as well as life skills. The former
gang members now meet regularly with local police to break down barriers
that once seemed impenetrable. As a result, their respect for justice is growing.
❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 15
WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT

Women’s
human rights

“
A
t the origin of many tensions that
threaten peace are surely the many
unjust inequalities still tragically
present in our world. Particularly
insidious among these are, on the one hand,
inequality in access to essential goods like food,
water, shelter, health; on the other hand, there are

”
persistent inequalities between men and women
in the exercise of basic human rights.
Benedict XVI,
Message for Peace 2007

Through its experiences of working with peasants’

groups, co-operatives and trade unions in deve-
loping countries, Development and Peace
has learned that women are often the first vic-
tims of poverty and injustice.
Too often, women are reduced to fighting for
their survival, and unequal social relationships
exclude them from participation in broader
issues. In times of war or conflict, they suffer
specific violence related to their gender. Rape
and mutilation are increasingly weapons of war.
Join their struggle
We cannot talk about real democracy without the Women are the first
equal participation of women. That participation victims of poverty and
depends upon their human rights being respected. injustice
That is why Development and Peace supports
groups committed to improving the living Democratic Republic of the Congo
conditions of women and increasing their autonomy.
In this way women can become less vulnerable to
violence and take charge of their own development, Ending sexual
that of their family and of their community. ❖
violence
T
he Democratic Republic of the Congo is endowed with fabulous wealth
(water, fertile soil, forests, hydroelectricity, gold, diamonds, copper, and
metals used in new technologies). But the majority of the population does

“C
ountless atrocities were committed during the wars that took place one after the other in
the Congo over the past few years. The worst atrocities have been—and continue to be—the
use of sexual violence. Women have been raped in massive numbers. All armed groups in the
Congo have used rape as a weapon of war.
“Women are saying that this must neither be hushed up nor should it go unpunished. Justice
must be done. The current struggle of Congolese women is to restore truth and ensure that the
perpetrators of these crimes are identified and punished.
“Women are breaking their silence and are launching this urgent appeal for solidarity to have a
trial take place on the silent genocide of Congolese women. There has
to be a Women’s Parliament, a chamber or forum capable of putting
Congolese society on trial.
“Women want to understand why their children were turned into
monsters and became the executioners of their own parents. They
want to understand why the men—their brothers, their sons and
their husbands—were capable of such cruelty. But they also want to
proclaim the failure of a society plagued by violence. The Congo that
is to be rebuilt must be rid of its old demons of impunity, corruption
and violence. It is a question of justice. The women of the Democratic
Republic of Congo are taking the initiative. They invite humanity to join
their struggle.”
Sister Mary Bernard Alima
Secretary General, Justice and Peace Commission
not benefit from the country’s natural wealth.
As a result, 71% of the population lives on less than a dollar a day, younger
generations are less educated than older generations, diseases once under control
have reappeared, soldiers who are barely paid steal the crops of farmers, and rural
populations lack basic necessities.
Even worse, the various conflicts over control of natural resources result in a
rampage of violence against women. Various UN reports and surveys have shown that
rape has become a weapon of war. These barbarous crimes are committed not only
by rebel groups but also by the Congolese army, even though the army is supposed to
protect the country and its citizens.
To overcome this crisis, the impunity of criminals must end. The victims of violence
must also be invited to engage in the difficult process of reconciliation.
To that end, Development and Peace is supporting a reconciliation project
in South Kivu—a region ravaged by endless conflict—that entails reconstruction
and restarting the communities’ production activities. This project is using literacy
activities and vocational training to reintegrate into their communities both women
victimized by sexual violence and young soldiers. A program to provide microcredit
has also been set up, while another program has been created to repair roads. At the
same time, Development and Peace is supporting community radio stations
that enable local communities to speak out, discuss their problems and seek solutions
together. ❖

development and peace | share Life 2011 | 16 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 17
 Ten years of action
WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT in Benin have
changed women’s
lives.

A
t the end of the 1990s, most of the women in the Self-Help Circle
for Sustainable Development (CADD) were illiterate. Many of them
subsisted on the scanty incomes brought in by their streetside stalls.
They decided to pool their resources and make their personal
savings yield a profit. The co-operative credit union that they built now
manages $300,000 in loans every year. The average loan for women’s projects
is $200.
Development and Peace has been supporting CADD in Benin for more
than ten years. The organization currently has 3,000 women in 68 grassroots
groups and 27 credit unions. With its small loans, CADD is contributing
directly towards improving the living conditions of 25,000 people.
These women manage their credit themselves. Their core activity remains
small trade but they have also created dozens of micro-enterprises. Several have
managed to make significant investments by buying small lots, building houses,

“
getting connected to water and electrical services, paying the cost of school
for their children or buying a
I have improved motorcycle taxi.
The women are now
BEnin my husband’s contributing more to their
households’ income and expenses,

Women forging situation which stabilizes the families’

purchasing power in spite of the
and I have relatively low salaries earned by
new livelihoods become more
their husbands.
“We don’t wait for our husbands
before spending on health or
independent education. Even in the eyes of
the children, their mothers have
than I used to become more independent and
can now help find solutions to
be. My husband their problems. It is thanks to
CADD that our children go to

CADD
gives me more school. We are sure they will not
become delinquents,” said one
contributes directly recognition woman.

”
to improving the “I have improved my husband’s
lives of 25,000
people.
now. situation and I have become
more independent than I used to
be. My husband gives me more
recognition now,” said another participant.
CADD’s women members and their families have joined a health group
and receive better health care than in the past. They have also established a
fund, to which everyone contributes, to support and assist one another during
happy or unhappy events such as births, deaths, baptisms, weddings and
anniversaries. Today, several children of CADD members attend school thanks
to a distribution service for school supplies.
Several CADD members have been elected as municipal councillors. The
organization offers workshops on the role of elected officials and movements in
implementing development projects for the poor. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 18 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 19
 citizen Participation
Paraguay
A new law
I elections
n February 2010, the Paraguayan Congress finally adopted Municipal
Law 3966, a law long awaited by civil society. The new law replaced
an earlier one—dating from the days of the dictatorship—that was no
longer suitable for the country’s modern democratic life.
The new municipal law formally recognizes the existence of community
and citizen organizations. It provides mechanisms for participation and
access to information. Decidamos (Let’s Decide), a partner of Development
and Peace, had been lobbying since 2004 to have the elected members of
Congress (Chamber of Deputies and Chamber of Senators) pass this bill.
Since its approval, the organization has distributed thousands of copies of
the law. Decidamos admits that even it has been surprised by all the requests
for training that it has been receiving from political parties, municipal officials,
citizens’ committees and social organizations.
It is exciting to witness such a passion for democracy and citizen
participation in this country, where the population has been so long deprived
of its liberty. ❖
Guatemala
Men and women
united against
domestic violence
I “
n Guatemala, violence
against women and girls
is probably the most
widespread human rights
violation. “It’s a genuine
epidemic,” say Guatemalan
Development and Peace
partners.
The Technical Training and
Education Service (SERCATE)
believes that it’s impossible to
promote development without
reducing violence against
women. That is why its work in
the country’s southern coastal region is so important. The organization has
provided over 1,000 women with training on their rights, their self-esteem
and the solutions available to those suffering from domestic violence.
To get the message out, SERCATE has organized radio programs on
domestic violence. SERCATE has trained thirty men who go and talk
to other men on how to stop domestic violence in their communities.
SERCATE has also trained members of municipal committees, teachers and
their students on how to stop violence against women and children, as well as
on human rights and the legal obligations arising from these rights. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 20
Honduras
Shedding
light on a
coup
H
onduras does not yet seem to have
emerged from the crisis caused by the
aftermath of the June 2009 coup d’état.
The Honduran government set up a
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, not only to
shed light on the coup d’état, but also to investigate
the actions of former President Manuel Zelaya.
However, this commission is not recognized
by civil society. Civil society groups, including
partners of Development and Peace, see it as a
political strategy to try to legitimize the coup.
Civil society’s Honduras Human Rights
Platform therefore decided to create its own Truth
Commission, whose work began on June 28, 2010.
This commission is made up of 10 international
human rights experts, including Elsie Monge,
director of the Ecumenical Commission of Human
Rights in Ecuador, a Development and Peace
partner. Development and Peace has provided
support to this commission to help it begin work.
The report that the Platform’s Truth Commission
will produce later this year will shed light on this
sad chapter in Honduran history. For the country’s
7.8 million inhabitants, knowledge of the facts is
essential to ensure the future of their democracy and
restore trust in their political institutions. ❖
GUINEA
For peaceful
“L
et us not kill one another,” said
Archbishop Vincent Coulibaly of
Conakry, the capital of Guinea.
For a bishop to say something like
that means that the situation is serious. In 2010,
the country was experiencing its first so-called
democratic presidential election since independence
in 1958. There were no military candidates. Yet
tension was at its highest in this country, which has
been damaged by a lengthy political transition that
had dragged on for three years.
Ethnic groups were becoming polarized. Each
of the country’s two major ethnic groups were
lining up behind one of the two competing
parties. Civil war seemed imminent. But some
voices, including those of certain religious leaders,
made themselves heard. “It’s time to pull ourselves
together,” the Archbishop insisted, in a prophetic
spirit. “Let us recognize in each Guinean, in
the diversity of ethnicities, languages, regions
and religions, a living stone that is vital to the
harmonious construction of Guinea.”
A similar message was sent to adherents of
Islam, the country’s predominant religion, and to
Protestants. Bishops, pastors
Let us recognize in and imams took part in Religious
Leaders of Guinea, Together
each Guinean a living for Peace, an interfaith project
financially supported by
stone that is vital to the Development and Peace.
A media campaign, days
harmonious construction of prayer and appeals to the
”
faithful were among the
of Guinea. means used to soothe and
refocus this election period,
which had become turbulent
and divisive. The elections were but a first step
towards democratization of the country, insisted
the religious leaders. “May we understand that
democracy does not happen simply by creating
new structures, but rather by re-creating the
structure of our mentality, of our whole being,”
said Archbishop Coulibaly.
The appeals by the defenders of peace and
nonviolence were heard in Guinea. The first
democratically elected president was able to take
office without facing a new—and dreaded—civil
war. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 21
Burundi Elections
Voting for the first time
At the Kamenge Youth Centre, a Development and Peace partner organization,
workshops were organised for young people who were going to vote for the
first time in their lives.
“We have the right and the opportunity to express ourselves, to choose the
candidate or candidates who will manage the country for us in the years to
come. You have to lose the idea in your heads that it’s no use voting, there are
no honest candidates, these elections will be rigged. Use your right to vote to
help choose the paths that Burundi will take in the months and years ahead,”
said Claire, a facilitator at the Centre.
The Centre also distributed a small voter’s manual and a primer on politics
as a means of explaining the functioning of a fair election, what a ballot looks
like and what a polling station looks like. It then made sure that young people
acquired the national identity card, an essential document if one
wanted to exercise the right to vote. Despite threats, violence and fear, many
young Burundians made their voices heard during the summer of 2010.
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 22
Citizens supervised
the entire electoral
process.
Observers in the service
of democracy
T
he recent Burundi elections were of particular importance for
Development and Peace and its partners. They were the first
elections since peace agreements were signed in that country, and
their smooth running was vital for preserving the peace.
Archbishop Évariste Ngoyagoye and human rights activist Jean-Marie
Vianney Kavumbagu appeared before an attentive audience in a large hall in
Bujumbura, Burundi’s capital, to present their observations on the progress
achieved and the flaws noted in the electoral process in this small African
country. The leaders of the Episcopal Justice and Peace Commission (CEJP)
and the Civil Society Coalition for the Monitoring of Elections (COSOME) are
Development and Peace partners.
Burundi, which has eight million inhabitants, is emerging from a 15-year-
long war that left 300,000 dead. Both CEJP and COSOME have always
felt that the elections scheduled for the summer of 2010 were particularly
important for the country. Both agencies have been preparing for these
elections for a long time. Both have repeatedly said that peaceful elections
would mark the symbolic end of the war and a refusal to resort to arms
whenever the political situation becomes the least bit tense.
The two agencies made sure that observers were present at each of the 6,969
polling stations across the country. Their job: to remain on site and record all
events that could affect the smooth progress of voting.
After a long day of voting—the voting offices opened at 6:00
Smooth, with a.m.—and ballot counting, each of the observers had to submit
some flaws a detailed report. It is no surprise that the reports from CEJP
and COSOME, two Development and Peace partners, were
“We consider that, overall, the presidential eagerly awaited and listened to attentively. Bombs had gone off
elections of June 28, 2010 went smoothly,” outside cafes and bars in the capital, some opponents had been
said Archbishop Évariste Ngoyagoye, arrested, and some political leaders had even urged people not to
In this classroom in
northern Burundi,
Archbishop of Bujumbura. He noted, however, go out on the day of presidential elections.
people are busy counting that there had been some flaws in the voting. But that did not prevent some 2.7 million Burundians—
the votes from the first In particular, he denounced cases of “money 77 percent of the registered voters—from going to the voting
presidential election distributed to encourage people to go vote”, booths. They exercised their right to vote, but they also showed
since the end of the war. and the presence, in one province, of armed that the country was moving to another stage of development.
members of the security forces. And that that would not happen without its people. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 23
EMERGENCY RELIEF
Palestinian

A Year of
Territories
Psychosocial support
for children in the
Gaza Strip

Emergencies
$65,000
Cambodia
Relief to victims of
Typhoon Ketsana

N
Pakistan $50,000
Afghanistan
o respite. Not a month went by last year without Development and Peace Chad Post-drought Floods in the
being asked to provide emergency relief assistance somewhere in the world. Assistance to assistance and country’s north
Sudanese refugees see next page
Certain disasters or conflicts have certainly touched our spirits. Others, less visible preparation for
and surrounding winter
in the media, have required just as much mobilization by the Catholic member populations $50,000 Philippines
organizations of Caritas Internationalis, of which Development and Peace is the $50,000 Reconstruction
Canadian representative. after Typhoon
Faced with human suffering, Development and Peace responds as much as possible. Ketsana
$350,000
In addition to special appeals, each year the organization reserves 10% of its Lent collection for
emergencies.
Your solidarity each year saves lives and ensures the rebuilding of shattered communities.
Below are just some of the emergency appeals we have responded to.

Guatemala
Assistance to
indigenous
communities Haiti
Emergency aid ethiopia
after the Drought and
Tropical after earthquake
see next page food aid
Storm Agatha $50,000
$50,000

El Salvador Niger
Aid to flood Assistance to Somalia
victims populations Drought in Sri Lanka
$50,000 affected by food Somaliland Return of internally
insecurity $50,000 displaced people
$100,000 affected by the war
$300,000
Aid to flood victims
ChilE Sudan
in May
Reconstruction after Aid in health care and Indonesia
$30,000
the earthquake and nutrition to people in Earthquake
tsunami internally displaced in Sumatra
DEmocratique persons camps in Darfur
$125,000 $150,000
REPUBLIC of $1,200,000
the Congo
Aid to the victims of Inda
In 2009–2010, Development and
violence in South Kivu Zimbabwe Flooding in
Peace provided nearly $9 million for
and Orientale Province Food aid for states of
emergency relief. This amount includes
$700,000 vulnerable Karnataka and
the 10% Lent collection emergency
households Andhra Pradesh
reserve, in addition to the support
$14,539 $50,000
received from the Canadian public for
specific emergencies. A total of 66 relief
and special programs were supported.

development and peace | share Life 2011 | 24 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 25
Haiti
Building
stronger homes
Célina Tessier, 75, is proudly camped
on a small patch of red earth. The
land seems arid, but Célina is already
imagining the new house that will
soon be built upon it. Célina is one of
the hundreds of people from the small
isolated village of Ti Boucan who
are participating in the pilot house-
building project being carried out by
ITECA and Development and Peace.
Earthquake in Haiti Four models of earthquake-
We will never resistant houses made from local
materials have been designed by
members of the community. With the
give up help of ITECA engineers, participants
S
work in groups of ten and help one
ince the terrible earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12, 2010, other build their new houses. When
other calamities—including a cholera epidemic and the passage of the pilot project is complete, ITECA
Hurricane Tomas—have rained down on the population. hopes to expand this project to the
“We have to believe that a better future is possible. We cannot be 1,700 members of this community.
defeatist or pessimistic, otherwise nobody will want to work for a better Without this program, Célina would
society, and people will simply give up,” said Ridana Cornet, communications probably have been forgotten in the
officer and liaison with Caritas Haiti. reconstruction of Haiti. It would have
The expressions “give up” and “throw in the towel” are not part of the been almost impossible for her to
vocabulary of Development and Peace partners in Haiti. Even though build a new house. Thanks to ITECA,
many of them also lost loved ones to the earthquake, they were the first to she has already begun to find the
help the victims. As a result of funding from Development and Peace, stones that will be used for her new
local organizations such as Caritas Haiti and the Technology and Animation residence. The mutual assistance in
Institute (ITECA) were able to distribute essential goods. this community is the best guarantee
As soon as it was possible, Development and Peace and its partners that Célina and hundreds of other
wanted to start rebuilding. But in Haiti—the poorest country in the women will not stay in the street.
Americas—discussions on reconstruction quickly gave way to reflection on
the future of the country. Reconstruction represents a good opportunity to
promote social change and initiate sustainable development, so that a fairer,
more just society can emerge out of the debris.
In Haiti, Development and Peace is working alongside the local
population. With partners such as MPP (Papaye Peasants’ Movement),
we are distributing seeds to farmers. The latter have been generously hosting
displaced families. They have fed the victims by sacrificing their meager
reserve of seeds.
The Development and Peace reconstruction program, with a budget
of $20 million, will last at least five years. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 26
Religious communities
help many
H
aiti’s religious communities play an important role in the country, especially in caring for the educational
and health care needs of Haitians. In the aftermath of the January 12th earthquake, even as religious
communities faced their own losses and difficulties, they were immediately ready to get back to work
to help those in need and Development and Peace wanted to stand in solidarity with them in
their efforts. As part of its reconstruction program for Haiti, Development and Peace has contributed close to
$500,000 to various religious communities in Port-au-Prince to help them resume their work and keep providing
services to those who need them most.
A new school for a new future
The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, a religious order that was founded in Montreal by Délia,
Tétrault in 1902, has been striving to provide education to Haitian communities since the congregation arrived in
the country in 1943. Today, the sisters run eight schools across the country, including the Mother Delia Institute, an
all-girls primary and secondary school in the bustling Delmas neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince. When the school
opened its doors in 2002, it welcomed 140 students. Now, it counts over 850. When the earthquake of January 12th
struck, the building for the primary school crumbled. Fortunately, the students had finished classes for the day and
none were inside the building when it collapsed.
“When the school
collapsed, what was essential
was finding the children.
The first question we asked
ourselves was, where are all
the children?” explains sister
Josette Drouinaud, director
of schools. “The rest is all just
material and can be taken
care of.” The congregation’s
strong ties with their
community soon led to a
flood of parents arriving at
the site of the school to make
sure the sisters had survived
and were safe. “They were
worried about us, as well,”
she remarks.
By March, the school
had managed to re-open
by sharing space with
the secondary school,
improvising classes under
trees in the schoolyard and
eventually installing large
tents that house up to 70
students at a time.
“The students had a hard
time staying under a roof so
we did a lot of outdoor activities with them. We would go for walks or have them dance. The dancing seemed to really
help them get their anxieties out,” says Sister Josette.
Clearly, the girls have found comfort in being back in this environment, gleefully giggling around the schoolyard
during their lunch break. But the sisters also know that the students will not benefit from a proper education until they
are back in real classrooms, which is why Development and Peace is a partner in helping them build a new school
that will have 20 classrooms and is built along anti-seismic standards.
The construction site is bursting with activity. Workers are already laying the foundation, but with no mechanical
machinery, progress is slow.
For Sister Josette, just knowing that the school is on its way is a sign of a better future for the country. “We want to
put the girls first because education is so important for them and for this country, if it is to develop.” ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 27
pakistan Distribution of 2009-2010 expenditures
International, bilateral and Governance and
emergency relief programs administration
76 % 9 %

Advancement
5 %
Education for
international solidarity
10%

Flood victims were able to find help in the camps set up by Caritas Pakistan.
Distribution of support to our
PAKISTAN partners in the Global South
The July Latin America
24 %
Africa
18 %

2010 floods Asia

T
9 %
he July rains in Pakistan were unlike any Middle East
the country had known in the past 80 7  %
years. The water in the Indus River rose
very rapidly and overflowed its banks.
Flash floods swept away entire villages, depriving
people of all of their possessions.
This event plunged the country into an
unprecedented humanitarian crisis. It is estimated International
that one-fifth of Pakistan’s territory was affected Emergency relief 1%
41 %
by the floods. It is also estimated that 20 million
people were displaced by this disaster and that
nearly two million homes were partially or Distribution of activities
completely destroyed. supported in the South
Fateful day Once again, Development and Peace was
able to count on the generosity of Canadians to Strengthening of Promotion of alternative
Khursheed Bibi, 60, remembers the fateful day when her come to the aid of the most vulnerable. A sum grassroots social development models
life suddenly changed. ”It started to rain very hard. We all of $7 million was quickly collected to help the movements 11 %
stayed home thinking we were safe, but in fact we were flood victims. This amount included $2 million 20 %
not.” Her three-room house collapsed. She and her husband from the Canadian International Development Emergency
found themselves trapped under the roof and walls that had Agency (CIDA) to support immediate agricultural Environment relief
collapsed. assistance to 6,800 families (55,000 persons) in 2 % 34 %
“I didn’t have any time to get out. Some bricks fell on my Sindh and Balochistan provinces. A sum of $1.26
arm and broke it. But the most precious thing that I lost was million provided by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank,
my 14-year-old granddaughter, Shama, who died from a head to which Development and Peace belongs, Conflict
injury,” said Khursheed. enabled 7,142 families in the Malakand district to resolution and
That very day, she went to the Caritas Pakistan camp obtain three months of food supplies. peace-building
Development and Peace is working with 7 %
to ask for basic foodstuffs. She had lost nearly all her
Caritas Pakistan. Members of Caritas Internationalis Empowerment
possessions. She received a food parcel containing cooking of women and
oil, flour, sugar, beans, powdered milk, tea, red peppers, salt, have so far provided immediate assistance to
women’s groups Democratization and
bottled water, body soap and a large bucket with a lid. This 500,000 Pakistanis, distributing basic necessities 9 % citizen participation
assistance allowed her to use her money to repair her house. such as tents, hygiene kits, building materials, food 17 %
baskets and providing medical care to the victims. ❖
development and peace | share Life 2011 | 28 development and peace | share Life 2011 | 29
Give generously
2011
DPC-11-S-02

1 888 234-8533 www.devp.org