As an ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) accredited Non-Government Organization (NGO), Mercy Global Action (MGA) at the UN, representing Mercy International Association, is able to actively participate in UN processes, in particular its various commissions.

L-r: Colleen Cloonan (Intern), Bridget Crisp rsm (Intern), Angela Reed rsm (MGA Coordinator at the UN),  Denise Boyle fmdm (Team Leader Mercy Global Action)

The 61st session on the Commission on the Status of Women is currently being held in New York. This provides the opportunity for MGA to not only give input and contribute to outcomes but also enables many opportunities to network with other organizations with whom we stand in solidarity. It also provides opportunities to hear critical concerns and success stories from women coming from all across the globe. These stories are often shared within the context of Side Events at the UN Headquarters or Parallel Events hosted by NGO communities. Outlined below are some of the ways that Mercy at the UN has participated in 2017.

Joint Written Statement to the UN Commission on the Status of Women

In the 8 March Issue of Mercy E-News, a link was given to the 2017 joint written statement of the Sisters of Mercy with the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. Read the Statement here: English (4pps PDF); en Español (4 pps; PDF)

The priority theme for this year’s commission is ‘Women and Girl’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work’. Our combined statement makes six key recommendations to the commission, which include requesting the member states to urgently invest in girls’ economic empowerment and to challenge and dismantle power structures that subjugate girls and women.

The statement can be read here

Joint Oral Statement to the UN General Assembly

Winifred Doherty rgs delivering the Statement at the General Assembly

In a general discussion at the General Assembly during the Commission, Sisters of Mercy was one of 11 religious congregations that contributed to an oral statement delivered with great conviction by Winifred Doherty RGS. This statement, identifying ourselves as present in over 100 countries read in part ‘We bring to the Commission the voices of the millions of girls and women we are in solidarity with, and who continue to experience dehumanizing living conditions, discrimination and exclusion on multiple and intersecting levels.’

To hear the oral statements follow this link and fast forward to 2:02:13

PARALLEL EVENTS

Mercy Global Action at the UN will co-host two parallel events in the week beginning March 20th. These events are open to representatives of member states and delegates of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Defense of Land and Water: Economic Empowerment for Women at CSW61

Note: Colleen Cloonan, Intern at Mercy Global Action at the UN will be moderating at CSW 61 event “Defense of Land and Water: Economic Empowerment for Women” at CSW61 on March 21st. This event will be from 8.30am-10am and recorded for future reference.

This parallel event has been organized by Mercy Global Action at the UN as well as members of the NGO Mining Working Group. The event will explore a proactive human rights approach to women’s economic empowerment and examine the impacts of extractive industries, land grabbing, and issues regarding the human rights to water and sanitation on women in the changing world of work. This event will be from 8:30-10am next Tuesday and live streamed on Facebook and archived for future reference. Check your local time here.

Concept note can be found here.

Inherent Dignity, Real Choices: A Preventative Approach to Ending Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation

Note: Angela Reed rsm, Coordinator of Mercy Global Action at the UN, will be moderating at CSW 61 Event “Inherent Dignity, Real Choices: A Preventative Approach to Ending Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation” on March 22nd. This event will be from 4:30-6pm next Wednesday and recorded for future reference.

This parallel event has been organized by Mercy Global Action at the UN, as well as Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, UNANIMA, the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking, and the Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons. It will address root causes of trafficking at a systemic level, through a human rights lens and across the ‘life course’ of girls and women and preventing trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The panelists will discuss the common precursors of trafficking for sexual exploitation, and how the vulnerability of women and girls to trafficking can be reduced through improving their economic empowerment and work opportunities.

Download the event poster here.

Significant events attended by Mercy Global Action delegates during the Commission on the Status of Women

The Mercy Global Action Delegation: Angela Reed rsm, Denise Boyle fmdm, Bridget Crisp rsm, Colleen Cloonan and Marietta Latonio.

Some of the significant events attended included:

• CSW NGO Consultation Day
• NGO Daily Briefings
• Townhall Meeting with the Newly Appointed Secretary General

The entire Mercy Global Action Delegation attended this event and below are some of our reflections:
“The day was energizing and a prime opportunity for networking”
“The panel on economic empowerment was very challenging and informative”
“It was empowering to hear stories of strength but also distressing to hear stories of continued struggle of women in both poor and wealthy nations.”

Messages to:
Angela Reed rsm - MGA Coordinator at the UN
Colleen Cloonan - MGA Intern at the UN