In one exciting week for KAIROS, two lively gatherings took place - at opposite ends of the country. The KAIROS BC-Yukon network got together on April 26 and 27 for No Passengers on Planet Earth, and from May 2-5, new and seasoned KAIROS activists took part in Streams of Justice - KAIROS Atlantic Gathering. Both events were full, rich times of connection, learning and renewal, all made possible by a multitude of small and large contributions from many people.

Thank you for all your emails and messages to the senators! After passing second reading on April 30, the senators voted to send Bill C-262 (the UN Declaration Act) to Committee. This was a critical move because if the bill does not reach third reading in the Senate before Parliament dissolves when the election is called, it will die on the order paper. We will continue to keep you updated on this important bill which, if enacted, will ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

On April 8, the federal government appointed the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Business Enterprise, but failed to create an independent office with real powers to investigate abuses and redress harms caused by Canadian companies operating abroad - essentially breaking a promise made 15 months ago. The incredible work you are doing contacting your MPs and posting on social media is what is keeping this issue alive. Please keep up the pressure!

The Hill Times published an op-ed by KAIROS on May 8: In responding to the appointment of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Business Enterprise, KAIROS shares its deep disappointment with partners in the Global South who hoped that Canada was finally becoming a global leader on corporate accountability. We continue to stand in solidarity with those who have shared countless testimonies of human rights abuses by Canadian mining companies and continue to risk their lives when they speak out.

Two members of Héritiers de la Justice, an ecumenical human rights organization in South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a partner in the KAIROS Women of Courage: Women, Peace and Security program, will visit Canada in June.

The upcoming Women Deliver 2019 Conference in Vancouver is an opportunity for the Government of Canada to make a very important announcement to increase funding to grassroots women peace builders.

The pact for a Green New Deal is a collaborative attempt to make the climate emergency a political priority. This national call to action is supported by over 60 organizations, including KAIROS. Join and participate!

In response to the killing of 14 people in the Philippines’ Negros Oriental province on March 30,  KAIROS joined with the province’s Governor, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and Amnesty International in calling on the Philippine government to hold a thorough and impartial investigation. 

Héritiers de la Justice

Héritiers de la Justice, KAIROS’ partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) works to end violence and lay the groundwork for lasting peace in the DRC. Its legal clinics provide legal training, information, and mediation to promote peace and justice in the eastern region of DRC. Héritiers de la Justice’s team of women’s rights advocates, lawyers, and paralegals endeavor to bring justice for women survivors of war. They document cases of sexual violence, accompany women through the judicial process, and educate them on Congolese and international laws that protect their rights. The organization also advocates for the government to make policy changes to protect women and children.

Earth Day Video: Canadian faith leaders issue urgent plea for climate action

On Earth Day 2019, Christians leaders from across Canada issued an urgent call to climate action. Their collective message is clear: the global climate crisis has reached a critical stage and requires an urgent moral and spiritual response.