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RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN RIGHTS
E-Newsletter
Vol.1 No.14
September 13, 1999
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Religious Perspectives on Human Rights is now available online at: http://www.rghr.net
Religious Perspectives on Human Rights is a weekly e-newsletter issued by Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and Christian Groups on Human Rights, initiated by the Asian Human Rights Commission.
Dear Friends,
This issue of the weekly e-mail takes the form of an appeal
made by the ACGHR on behalf of the people of E. Timor, to which
are also added a few of the voices and the sentiments expressed
by some of our readers.
"Please give them Peace by leaving them alone",
Donny Tsui "Please save the people of E.Timor", Sisters
at Maris Stella Convent, Singapore
"Indeed, we are offering the lives of those victims of
injustices to God, who is the judge of all,…continously
praying for peace and justice.." Asia Migration Desk,
Philippines
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CONFERENCES OF THE
CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN ASIA
DEAR BISHOPS
EAST TIMOR- A MOMENT WHEN CONSCIENCE WILL NOT FORGIVE INACTION
The world media has laid before us the tragedy that has been
unfolding itself the last two weeks in E. Timor. A few courageous
journalists who at the risk of their own lives have captured for
us the horror and the destruction that in E.Timor and which
requires no exaggeration. It is all there in words and pictures.
Added to this situation of rapes, killings and destruction, we
are now confronted with the stark reality of the refugees that
fled to the mountains being denied of food shelter and security.
The awareness of the magnitude of the horror that has been
perpetrated and the fearful anticipation of even more that is
pending, calls for immediate action. As responsible and respected
bodies in Asia there is no doubt that what you voice and
demonstrate with your action carry great weigh not only in
supporting the demand of the international community for Peace
for the troubled land, but more importantly to prevent a major
catastrophy stemming from a campaign of terror, forced
deportation and starvation. Above all immediate provision of food
remains the need of the hour. We are writing this to plead with
you for immediate action. Your action can not only save thousands
of innocent lives, but also highlight the moral dimensions that
must transcend all national or international boundaries when
dealing with economic, social, political or cultural issues.
The recent decision of the Indonesian government to allow
international peace keeping forces to intervene in easing the
situation is very much an important step in the right direction.
But considering the urgency of the situation we need to press for
immediate implementation of the decision to send the Peace
Keeping Forces and further action on two fronts, namely; an
immediate halt to the forced deportation and provision of relief-
food, medicine- to the refugees. Their immediate need is food.
We request you to take all actions that you deem are
appropriate and decisive on this occasion. We also suggest that
the following actions be included in your list of appropriate
actions.
- Respond positively and urgently to the call of East
Timorese leaders to send in food and medicine to the
displaced particularly the refugees in the mountains by
mobilizing resources.
- Request the UNITED NATIONS ( particularly UNHCR) to
intervene in providing food, medicine and the much needed
protection to women, children, and the elderly.
- Add your voice to the dispatching of immediate
international assistance to East Timor, under the
auspices of a United Nation led peace keeping force
- Request United Nation to keep and strengthen its presence
in East Timor till the Peace Keeping Forces arrive.
- Invite all your constituencies, down to each parish to
pray, conduct vigils and use peaceful means to
demonstrate their concerns till the basic issues of the
East Timor crisis are adequately addressed.
- Take step to visit the Dilli as a demonstration of your
moral support
- Use all media facilities including Radio Veritas both to
raise awareness and to heighten the call for action .
- In the best Christian tradition of love and fellowship
let us make visible our deep solidarity with people of
E.Timor in this moment of crisis which also would be a
sign of our commitment to justice and peace
Thank you
On behalf of the Asian Catholic Group for Human Rights
Philip Setunga
The Co-ordinator
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- A Prayer and vigil service was held in Macau on Saturday
at which the Governor was present.
- A Prayer service is planned for Monday in Hong Kong for
East Timor.
Posted on 1999-09-13
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