How the small state of Vermont is trying to become a leader in refugee resettlement

JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:

The U.S. immigration debate has largely focused on the illegal entry of migrants through the U.S. southern border. Most come from Central and South America. The people who often get left out of conversations about immigration are refugees - people fleeing war or persecution. Vermont has a big refugee problem, despite being one of the smallest states, and it's working to resettle hundreds of people from Haiti, Eritrea and Afghanistan. NPR's Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has our story.

SERGIO MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN, BYLINE: The community library in Manchester, Vt., is a beautiful building on a quiet road. Lush trees adorn the surroundings here. This library is one of the informal meeting points for the recently arrived Haitian refugees. Jean Gerard Jusmi (ph) is one of them.

JEAN GERARD JUSMI: Vermont is very quiet. Yes, it's very quiet. I can say very organic, too.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Jusmi comes here for the free Wi-Fi. He enjoys volunteering at the local community garden, growing lettuce and tomatoes. A high school math and physics teacher back in Haiti, Jusmi here works in a hotel during the day and at a New England bistro at night, making salads and desserts. He says he left his homeland in April, due to growing lawlessness and gang violence. Basic government services once again collapsed.

JUSMI: There is a bad situation in Haiti. (Inaudible) the gangs there - you know, bad situation right now.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: According to the United Nations, gang violence has displaced nearly 600,000 Haitians this year alone. More than 200,000 Haitian migrants, like Jusmi, have resettled in the U.S. Vermont is a state that has put out a welcome mat.

TRACY DOLAN: So it's the right thing to help people and to give them refuge.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Tracy Dolan is the director of Vermont's State Refugee Office.

DOLAN: There are more refugees around the world than there have ever been. Most never get the chance to actually find safety beyond a temporary camp in another country.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Since October of last year, the U.S. has resettled over 86,000 refugees from around the globe. That's the biggest resettlement since 1995. Vermont has already settled about 300 refugees this year. They have a goal of 400 by the end of September, but Dolan says there's a problem.

DOLAN: Housing has been the biggest challenge, both the cost of it - it's expensive - but primarily the availability.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: A housing assessment made by the state government said Vermont needs up to 36,000 additional year-round homes in the next five years to meet overall housing demands. So resettlement agencies have had to get creative to find housing. Assisted living facilities, restaurants and hotels in Manchester have offered rooms free or at a reduced price for refugees who work there. Yvonne Lodico is the founder of Grace Initiative Global, one of the nonprofits resettling refugees in Vermont.

YVONNE LODICO: So we have been able to meet our housing challenge almost all through the support of employers.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Still, Lodico says her agency is also looking to rent a house with multiple rooms, as more and more refugees are resettled here.

LODICO: The challenge to that will be, of course, putting the right people together. We cannot have some people who don't eat pork with people who do eat pork, for example.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Lodico says those religious and cultural differences need to be taken into consideration. Her agency has been able to bring nearly a hundred refugees to Vermont since last year, most of them Haitians. Jean Gerard Jusmi is part of a hotel maintenance crew here. His employer gave him his own small room in a building on the property.

JUSMI: I come to work in the United States to help my family, my wife, my kids. You know, I have two kids. They stay in Haiti.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: He says he's grateful for the opportunity and the help that he's received from the community.

JUSMI: I really like Vermont. I don't want to leave Vermont. I don't want to quit Vermont.

MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN: Jusmi says his next goal is to bring his wife and two children to his adopted hometown. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR News, Manchester, Vt.

For World Refugee Day: A Discussion on the Challenges and Perils Refugees Face and Recommendations for Safety, Objectivity, and a Path for Self-Sufficiency

Manchester Community Library, Manchester, VT

June 24, 2023 - 2:00-4:00 PM

Grace Initiative Global organized a discussion on World Refugee Day, which is an occasion to build understanding and empathy for refugees’ plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.”[1] This critical discussion took place at the Manchester Community Library on June 24, 2:00-4:00 PM. 

Overview:

A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations, armed conflict/gang violence and or persecution. The devasting impact on human security due to economic collapse, natural disaster or climate change can also compel people to flee. Some refugees no longer feel safe and might have been targeted just because of who they are or what they do or believe – for example, for their ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or political opinions.  

Refugees flee because the threat to their safety and lives is so great that they feel that they have no choice but to leave and to safety outside their country. This is most often due to failed states, civil war or a sovereign which ignores or carries out severe human rights violations against its own citizens, and who cannot or will not protect them from those dangers. Under international law, which is supreme law, refugees have a right to international protection.

Purpose:

Although refugees flee because of real dangers to their lives, their path for safety and security, is laden with perilous challenges including criminality, discrimination, gender-based violence, environmental threats, and exclusion.  In addition, some refugees, especially women and girls, risk falling prey to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The plight of refugees is not over even when they reach safe borders refugees may face daily racism, xenophobia, and discrimination. To this end, we held a discussion on World Refugee Day to reflect on the perils and challenges refugees face, and to discern strategies for security, objectivity, and a path for self-sufficiency. 

[1] United Nations, World Refugee Day. World Refugee Day falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Grace Initiative Global called for: Empowering the Marsh Arab Women (the oldest indigenous group in the world) to counter the impact of climate Change

 (Parallel event held on March 23, 2022)

Decreased water and food availability, as well as extreme temperatures, are expected to negatively affect food, water, social and health security, impacting the most vulnerable – women and girls. 

Given its unique hydrological limitations, Iraq is one of the most vulnerable countries to  climate change impacts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly due to its arid and downstream location.[1] Iraq is highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation levels. Moreover, the low water level in southern Iraq coupled with sea-level rise in the Persian Gulf has led to the intrusion of soil in Shatt El Arab and groundwater resources, increasing the salinity of water and causing serious damages to the surrounding lands. This situation creates extreme challenges to the people in Marsh Lands, especially the women.2

We examined our proposed project for establishing a community center for women to receive advanced warning and information on water flows, extreme heat.  In addition to information, the Center would facilitate engagement and information regarding climate, extreme heat and water and pollution as well as water reduction. The programme focuses on women and girls’ leadership for engagement and empowerment.  

[1] Salma Kadry. Gender and Water Dynamics in Iraq: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Water Responses,    

(Ebarlament – Cultures of Democracy, 2021), p. 5. Accessed at https://elbarlament.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/06/article-II.pdf  2 UNDP.  “Ahwari women, The beating heart of the Iraqi marshes” (March 8, 2021).    

Accessed at https://www.iq.undp.org/content/iraq/en/home/stories/2021-stories/03/ahwari-women.html 8 Brian Fagan and Nadia Durrani. Climate Chaos Lessons on Survival from our Ancestors, (New York: Public Affairs, 2021), p. 55. 9 Kadry, p. 2.  

A Restorative Afghan Refugee Settlement and Integration Process in the USA

(13 December 2021)

As the Afghan refugees set out to resettled in communities throughout the United States, it is critical for the groups welcoming and facilitating this settlement will ensure an encouraging and meaningful settlement in new communities.  This integration process goes beyond the assumption of good will or common know how to help the refugees.  It involves a positive and holistic settlement entailing a sensitivity of their culture, religion, and history of the refugee – the actual people concerned.[1]  Following the departure from military bases, organizations involved in the settlement processes will oversee inter alia arranging accommodation, clothing, employment, health issues, and immersion into schools.  In addition, this settlement process will require essential religious connections and sensitivities, as well as the trauma evaluation and counselling. Further, Afghan families may fear introduction into American societies, fearing prejudice toward Muslims.  To this end, those involved in the settlement should possess sensitivity of their experience, with a view to supporting a restorative integration.   

In addition to cultural competence and awareness, those involved with the refugees must approach their respective involvement with humility for engagement and trust building.[2]  This involves removing biases of relationship of power and privilege.  Therefore, the resettlement process involves building emotional safety and trust with the collaboration based on unique needs of the refugees.  This healing will include cultural empowerment and the availability of culturally responsive resources within the Islamic community, where they may receive religious guidance and a mosque or a place for daily prayer.  It is important to sensitive and respectful of the importance of faith of Islam as a way of life. This could be complicated because of language barriers.  

To promote a positive outcome of the resettlement process, which integrates a process of healing,[1] we have organized a webcast on: A Restorative Afghan Refugee Settlement and Integration.  The discussion will include expert presentations focusing on the Afghan people, their history, their faith so that the refugee resettlement process is positive and restorative.  Invited presenters include: 

Program

The Reflection on the History and Resilience of Afghanistan: 

 Ambassador Ahmad Kamal, (former Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, also served as Pakistan Ambassador to France, Switzerland, South Korea, adviser to Grace Initiative Global). 

 Reflections about Personal and Professional Experience

Mr. Mohammad Qasim Popal, Afghan national, lawyer, settled in Toronto. Served with the UN Mission in Afghanistan in humanitarian coordination for 10 years in Kabul.  Estimated Timing: 10:10-10:20

Discussion on Trauma Healing

Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Director, VPS: Leitenberg Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Director, Connecting Cultures &NESTT. Dr. Fondacaro will discuss trauma evaluation of the first group of Afghan refugees in Vermont.

Mr. Agha Jafri, Al Khoei Foundation, USA; Board Member, Grace Initiative Global. 

Mr. Jafri will reflect on the webcast and offer questions to the presenters

Mr. Zahoor Hussain Khan , former interpreter to the US Embassy in Kabul

Theological Reflection:

Canon Walter Brownridge, Vermont Diocese for Cultural Transformation

Moderator

Ms. Yvonne Lodico, Founder, Executive Director, Grace Initiative Global

[1] Richard. F. Mollica.  Healing Invisible Wounds: Paths to Hope and Recovery in a Violent World, (Harcourt, 2007).

[1] Jamie D. Aten and Jenny Hwang, eds. Refugee Mental Health (American Psychological Association, 2021), p. 66. 

[2] Ibid., p. 60. 

PROMOTING STRATEGIES FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR A FLOURISHING DEMOCRACY in Iraq

More about the event.

A Remembrance with Chaplain (Col) Brett Charsky, Vermont National Guard - the role of the National Guard to ensure a safer world with compassion.

On September 11, 2021, marking twenty years since the tragic events of the World Trade Towers, in New York City; Shanksville, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, the Grace Initiative Global organized a reflection, a remembrance of that day, and the subsequent US reactions. Chaplain Charsky gave a compelling discussion of how the trauma of that day still lingers.

The discussion was particularly poignant in view of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the impact on civilians in that country. According to the Chaplain Charsky, he believe that women and girls had the chance for freedom to learn and to become educated, to participate in parliament, to own businesses and that this was indeed important for inclusive human dignity.

Grace Initiative Global organizes important discussion on peacebuilding : Applicable to all internationally - even the United States - see our commentary in VTDigger. Program delivered on GNAT.org

Peacebuilding is an activity that aims to resolve injustice in nonviolent ways and to transform the cultural & structural conditions that generated violence. It is not just a question of national capacity in terms of understanding, education, expertise as in the traditional international peacebuilding strategy, but rather a recognition that resolving grievances, injustices, frustration. 

According to the UN: Most peacebuilding happens once conflict – i.e. major, large-scale violence – has ended. But some peacebuilding tasks can start even during conflict. For example, in pockets of peace, civil society organizations, local government or traditional actors may be promoting conflict resolution mechanisms, or seeking to provide basic services or develop livelihood opportunities.

Contributions from Yale Divinity School, UN DPPA, Goddard College, Jerusalem Peacebuilders, Sant Egidio, experts Robin Lloyd (WILFP USA), Maj. General Michael Smith (ret), Dr. Abraham Joseph.

On March 23, 2021, the Grace Initiative Global, organized a session during the 65th UN Commission on the Status of Women conference. Our session focused on:  Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence through Empowerment and Generation Equality.

Our session included a worldwide perspective embracing dedicated and compassionate experts representing organizations in Vermont, in Geneva, Brazil, Iraq, Colombia and Uganda.   Our experts discussed the sobering situation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) for women and girls globally, which intensified with the Covid Pandemic.

Following the Pope’s visit to Iraq, Grace Initiative Global organized meetings with religious leaders and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The meetings took place as part of Grace Initiative’s efforts to expand its engagement in Iraq. Grace Initiative seeks to expand its mission for empowerment of women, capacity building in issues such as rule of law, civic education, agriculture, climate change and entrepreneurship. Further, it will seek to advance peaceful coexistence. Grace Initiative Global is grateful to meet so many wonderful and kind people and looks forward to establishing its office in Iraq.

Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence through Empowerment and Generation Equality

Grace Initiative Global session on Gender Based Violence

during the 65th UN CSW 2021

On March 23, 2021, the Grace Initiative Global, organized a session during the 65th UN Commission on the Status of Women conference. Our session focused on:  Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence through Empowerment and Generation Equality.

Our session included a worldwide perspective embracing dedicated and compassionate experts representing organizations in Vermont, in Geneva, Brazil, Iraq, Colombia and Uganda.   Our experts discussed the sobering situation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) for women and girls globally, which intensified with the Covid Pandemic.

GBV is understood as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women and girls.  The Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women defined gender-based violence as a form of violence that disproportionately affects women.[1] It can include violence against women and girls, domestic violence against women, men or children living in the same domestic unit. Although women and girls are the main victims of GBV, it also causes severe harm to families and communities.[2] According to UN report on GBV, global and regional reports indicated an alarming increase in GBV cases during the pandemic, in particular domestic violence. Many of the measures necessary for controlling a viral outbreak also significantly limited the ability of survivors to shield themselves from their abusers, or access support mechanisms.

Thus, with the onset of the Covid Pandemic, GBV increased exponentially. The cataclysmic crisis of covid included health risks or sadly loss of life, food insecurity, job loss, or reduced hours and prolonged shutdowns. Regrettably, Covid also fueled stress and anxiety, which led to increase of household tensions, exacerbating domestic violence.  Loss of economic opportunities for women caused many to increasingly work in the informal sector, where they are or were  more exposed to the risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Women and girls already in a perilous situation as displaced, or as a refugee, faced further insecurities and physical harms.[3] For example, in the United States research found evidence of an increase of not only in domestic violence cases, but also in the  severity of injuries reported.[4] Also, UNHCR found that young women refugees and/or those  displaced suffered an increase of sexual violence, consequently causing a rise in early pregnancies.  No wonder, the increase of GBV because of Covid, has been referred to as the “shadow pandemic.”

To Address and Present GBV, Grace Initiative proposes a strategy for women and girls through a transformational process. This process, we call SHE, which is comprised of three mechanisms: 

Mechanism 1 –Safety, providing a Safe Space Centre 

Mechanism 2 – Healing, through engagement and Trauma Care and a chance to Reconstitute one’s self-agency and dignity- 

Mechanism 3 - Empowerment, through capacity building, and income generation bringing about resilience.

From Vermont:

Our first speaker was Karen Tronsgard-Scott, who is the executive director for Vermont’s domestic and sexual violence network.  

Vermont ‘s strategy of, addressing and preventing domestic and sexual violence, though, is not just a single focus cause but rather a holistic one, uplifting everyone.  The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to uproot the causes of violence and to build a world free of oppression where actions,beliefs and systems support all people to thrive.

From Geneva:

Following Karen’s remarks, Ms. Zaytoon Faraj Abdulla, an Iraqi diplomat with the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN in Geneva gave a presentation.  She focused her remarks on the situation og GBV in Iraq, especially in light of Covid.

From Brazil: 

We will hear from Ms. Monica Villarindo  - an advisor for Grace Initiative  based in Rio de Janeiro.  Monica reviewed the tragic situation of Gender based Violence in Brazil and give us examples of hope.

Ms. Rosane Santiago,– Director for Business and New Partnerships for CIEDs, which is one of the largest NGOs in Brazil focusing on Youth, including young women. CIEDS proposes a dynamic and transformation strategy leading to dignity and transformation. Centro Integrado de Estudos e Programas de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (Center for Integrated Programs for Sustainable Development) 

From Colombia

Ms. Rosa Salamanca, founder and executive director of Ciase in Colombia, which is well known organization for its work in integrating women in peace and security.   Rosa has discussed her views during a presentation before the UN Security Council on Resolution 1325.  Today, she will provide a compelling strategy for Addressing Gender Based Violence.

 From Iraq

 Mr. Mustafa Saad Abbas Al-Rawi  who is heading Grace Initiative office in Iraq

 He will discuss our transformational plans and projects under the principle of SHE, and explain some of those which focus on the Empowerment of Women through Entrepreunership.

Ms. Tasneem Hassan, who is a remarkable young Iraqi woman.  At just 13, she is already embarking on a mission to advocate and care for children, women and the planet. She hopes to give a voice for those who don’t have the opportunity to express their concerns. For example, In November 2019, she discussed her mission during her presentation at the United Nations during the World Children’s Day.  Today, She will speak about her hopes for Young Women and Generation Equality -Iraq 

From Uganda

Our final speaker is Mick Hirsh, is the Founder and Executive Director of 

Thrive Gulu – in Uganda. He will focus on the impact of Covid on gender based violence, and Healing for Women and girls. 

We are truly grateful for the time and dedication of the experts in our session.  We greatly appreciate your attention to the session and the necessity for Addressing and Preventing Gender Based Violence.

[1] Shalini Mittal and Tushar Singh. “Gender-Based Violence During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini-Review.” Global Womens Health, 8 Sept. 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2020.00004/full 6 Ibid. All types of violence against women and girls, but particularly domestic violence, intensified. 

[2] European Commission, Gender Based Violence Accessed at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-andfundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-based-violence/what-gender-based-violence_en 8 UN Women. “Facts and figures: Ending violence against women” Fact Sheet Nov. 20, 2020. https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures

[3] International Rescue Committee, “New Report Finds 73% of Refugee and Displaced Women Reported an Increase in Domestic Violence Due to COVID-19” (Oct 15, 2020). Accessed at https://www.rescue.org/press-release/new-report-finds-73-refugee-and-displaced-women-reported-increase-domestic-violence.

[4] UNHCR/USA. Gender based violence. Accessed at https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/news/stories/2020/11/5fbd2e774/gender-based-violence-rise-during-lockdowns.html;  Melissa Healy. “Domestic violence rose during lockdown — and injuries are dramatically more severe, study finds,” Los Angeles Times, (August 18, 2020). Accessed at https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-08-18/intimate-partner-violence-spiked-80-after-pandemic-lockdown-began.

Women learn to sew masks, which are provided to the Iraq’s Ministry of Education for ensuring the good health of school children.

WITH THE INNOVATION OF MERCY HANDS FOR HUMANITARIAN AID, GRACE INITIATIVE GLOBAL SUPPORTS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN IRAQ - ENSURING GOOD HEALTH AND EARNING A LIVELIHOOD - DURING THE PANDEMIC 2020

International IDEA, Yale Divinity, Grace Initiative Global

AGRICULTURE, FARMING AND FOOD SECURITY

& PEACEFUL SOCIETIES

Agriculture, Farming and Food Security

Peaceful and Inclusive Communities

UN Headquarters: Conference Room 8 

3 October 2019 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm 

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development[1]the international community set out to transform our world by tackling multiple challenges through holistic and synergistic mechanisms to ensure well‐being, economic prosperity, and environmental protection. Agriculture and sustainable farming represents an integral component for the global community to realize the 2030 Agenda’s interrelated transformational goals. 

In the Secretary-General’s report on Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition noted that most of the world’s 570 million farms are small and family-run; with family farms cultivating about 75% of the world’s agricultural land.[2] Also, the  UN Decade of Family Farming (2019–2028) calls for Governments to develop public policies and investments to support family farming from a holistic perspective, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and “To Leave No One Behind.” 

UN CSW 63

Iraqi Women Building Peace and Security

Grace Initiative Global co-sponsors - High-Level UN Side Event 

by Elizabeth Corredor

Ph.D. Candidate Rutgers University, Political Science

On Friday March 15, 2019, the UN Commission on Status of Women (CSW) sixty-third session, UN CSW 63featured a high-level event: “Iraqi Women at the Helm of Rebuilding, Peace and Stability” at UN Headquarters in New York. The co-sponsors for this unique and critical side event comprised: the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN, Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UN-WomenIraq Country Office; and, the Grace Initiative Global. The panel exemplified Iraq’s laudable commitment for empowering women in peace-building - ensuring Iraq’s transformation to a sustainable peace and a more secure future.

Grace Initiative Global founder, Yvonne Lodico, opened the event with a quote from Nobel Peace Laureate: Nadia Murad who stated during her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, “Women must be involved in building lasting peace among communities. With the voice and participation of women, we can make fundamental changes in our communities.” Ms. Lodico pointed out that this was especially profound in view of the tragic shooting of the mosque in New Zealand that took place on March 14. These attributes underscored the goals of this high-level event, which illuminates Iraq’s collective and holistic efforts to transcend the destruction and horror of violent extremists, by ensuring that women are a vital part of the peace-building efforts.  

Speakers included: Mayor of Bagdad H.E. Ms. Thikra Alwash; Permanent Representative of Germany to the U.N. H.E. Ambassador Christopher Heusgen; Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the League of Arab States H.E. Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Althani; Under Secretary Gender SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict H.E. Ms. Pramila Patten; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq H.E. Ms. Hala Saleem; President of High Council of Women Affairs Ms. Bakhshan Zangana; Director General of Women Empowerment Dr. Ibtisam Ali.  The resounding theme of the session was fostering women’s empowerment and addressing systemic discrimination to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation. 

Each speaker addressed issues related to women’s participation, protection, and prevention ensure their inclusion in peace building processes.  

Participation

Despite the growing presence of women as government representatives in Iraq, women remain largely unrepresented in the peace process. The adoption of the Iraqi National Action Plan in accordance with UNSCR 1325 is a promising start and makes Iraqthe first Middle Eastern country to adopt a national action plan. Nonetheless, it remains a top priority to further recognize women not just as passive victims, but also as talented leaders and publicly recognized agents of change within their communities.

Protection

Iraqi women are some of the world’s most vulnerable people with regards to sexual violence, domestic violence, and systematic discrimination. The dire need to update Iraq’s laws to on sexual violence to meet international standards was emphasized, as was the fact that most, if not all, perpetrators of sexual violence in Iraq go unpunished. Session speakers stressed the need to update Iraqi law so that it meets the at least the minimal standards of international law. Such changes are

Required in order to eradicate the pervasive discrimination against women in Iraqi culture.

Prevention

A final resounding message focused on the need to craft policy that focuses on the rebuilding of lives in addition to systems and infrastructure. A key priority is making vital medical and mental health services available for women and for the children born and raised in war. Additionally, economic empowerment opportunities promise to strengthen women’s positions within their communities. Ultimately, policies need to focus on realizing and building upon the capabilities of Iraqi women.

Lastly, H.E. Bhar Aluloom, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the UN, closed the session, thanking all the speakers and emphasizing the utmost importance of women’s inclusion for sustainable peace and security for Iraq, and praising the international community’s support for this great fundamental goal. 

The Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN, Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, UN-Women Iraq Country Office and Grace Initiative Global side event for UN CSW 63 

63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

a high-level side event on

 “Iraqi Women Taking the Wheel towards Rebuilding Peace and Stability”

Conference Room12

Friday 15 March 2019

16:45 -18:00

Special guests include First Lady of the Republic of Iraq

Burlington Forum on Coexistence

the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Episcopal Church Cathedral Church of Saint Paul

2 Cherry Street

Burlington, VT 

December 7, 2018 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

In honor of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the equality, justice and human dignity for all people - we are organizing the Burlington Forum on Coexistence at the Episcopal Church Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in Burlington on December 7, 2018, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  This Forum follows the spirit and rationale of the Boston Forum on Coexistence in a Democratic Society held on December 8, 2017.  

During the Boston Forum, the participants agreed that we should build upon the goals and outcomes of that Forum and hold fora in other parts of the United States. Therefore, drawing upon this inaugural Forum, we propose a series called the Forum on Co-Existence in a Democratic Society.  This Forum will emphasize the recognition and respect of the dignity of every person, a principle underscored in the Universal Declaration.  Regrettably, this fundamental right diminishes when it comes to accepting difference due inter alia of gender, race, religion or nationality. 

Respecting the dignity of all people is integral for coexistence in a democratic society. When we honor the dignity of another person, we treat him or her with respect. This dignity and respect transcends race, gender, religion, economic status, or even the part of the country one resides.  In this regard, the basis for respecting the dignity of others exists universally, independently of a person’s social utility, abilities, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.  Respecting the dignity of others is critical for a peaceful and inclusive[1]democratic society. 

We will invite faith leaders and representatives of civil society, including those who work to combat economic inequality and violence, and those who defend migrants, refugees, and people marginalized by gender, race or religion.  

To this end, the purpose of the Forum is to promote a platform for dignity, respect and coexistence, and a road map for addressing the continuation of a heightened hatred, anger, exclusionary outcry. We look for paths of healing and for nurturing positive discourse, with a commitment to fundamental human rights, dignity, respect, and coexistence.  

On December 10, 1948, in the wake of the horrors of WWII, the International community convened to commit to respect the dignity of all humankind.  We hope to revive this spirit of commitment to human rights on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights during the Burlington Forum on Coexistence.

The 2018 Forum follows the spirit and rationale of “The Boston Forum on Coexistence in a Democratic Society,” which was held last year. The upcoming Forum builds on the goals of last year’s event by promoting the recognition and respect of the dignity of every person, a principle embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

The Rt. Rev. Thomas C. Ely, bishop of The Episcopal Church in Vermont, said, “Dignity is a topic that The Episcopal Church in Vermont has engaged with fervor in recent years. It was the theme of our 2017 diocesan convention, and we continue to explore this aspect of our calling at a time when human differences are so often portrayed as something to be feared rather than celebrated. Co-presenting the Burlington Forum with Grace Initiative is a natural fit and, I hope, will convey to the wider community our commitment to honoring the dignity of all humankind.”

“Respecting the dignity of all people is integral to peaceful, inclusive coexistence in a democratic society,” said Yvonne Lodico, founder of Grace Initiative. “That’s essentially the message of the Burlington Forum as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that inspired the event. Dignity and respect transcend perceived differences like race, gender, religion, economic status, and place of residence. In this regard, the basis for respecting the dignity of others exists universally, independently of a person’s social utility, abilities, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.” 

About the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages. Learn more at http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/.

About Grace Initiative Global

The Initiative for Governance, Reconciliation, Agriculture and Coexistence - Grace Initiative Global – strives toward innovative peacebuilding and conflict prevention through strategies of healing, empowering and transforming. Grace Initiative carries out its goals through innovative and expert constructive engagement, focused empowerment, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and holistic understanding; through international and multi-disciplinary expertise. Grace Initiative adheres to and promotes global goals such as the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN Security Council Resolution 1325, international human rights instruments, and humanitarian principles. Learn more at http://www.grace-initiative.org/

About The Episcopal Church in Vermont

The Episcopal Church in Vermont comprises 45 congregations across the Green Mountain State that share in the mission to pray the prayer of Christ, to learn the mind of Christ, and to do the deeds of Christ. The congregations live into this mission through ministries of Formation, Liberation, Communication, Connection, and Celebration. The Episcopal Church in Vermont is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Learn more at https://diovermont.org/.  

Featured Speakers Who Have Committed So Far…

Featured Speakers who have committed to date are listed below. We are awaiting final word from several others. Please note that this list is subject to change:

·       The Rev. Nicholas Porter, co-founder, Jerusalem PeaceBuilders

·       Jeff Mandell, program director, Kids4Peace - VT/NH Chapter

·       Rabbi Amy Small, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue

·       Yvonne Lodico, founder, Grace Initiative Global

·       Syed Meesam Razvi, Executive Director, Alliance for Research and Scholastic Heritage

·       The Rev. Dr. Arnold Thomas, pastor, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Underhill, VT

·       Maurice L. Harris, diocesan communications minister and co-convener of the Racial Reconciliation/Healing Network, The Episcopal Church in Vermont

·       The Rev. Earl Kooperkamp, treasurer, and past President, Vermont Interfaith Action; rector, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Barre, VT

·       Mark Hughes, co-founder and director, Justice For All

·       Bor Yang, executive director & legal counsel, Vermont Human Rights

[1]https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg16

UN GA High Level Summit honoring President Nelson Mandela during the anniversary of his 100th birthday and the UN Declaration for Decade of Peace

Speaker: Ambassador Isaiah Chabala,
Former Permanent Representative of Zambia
to the United Nations
in New York and in Geneva

 Organized by

the Dorset Village Library, 
Yale Alumni Nonprofit Alliance (YANA), New England, VT chapter, Grace Initiative Global

(October 12, 2018, 6:00 PM)

On the first day of the opening of 73rd UN General Assembly, world leaders convened to reflect on the 100th anniversary on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela – a leader imbued with a moral force.[1]  His life was indeed remarkable. Not only did his leadership triumph over apartheid and revenge; his leadership exemplified all that was possible through, forgiveness, democratization, reconciliation – so that all people, “the exalted and the wretched of the earth, can live as equals.”[2] During this Summit, the UN Member States unanimously adopted the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, 2018-2028.

Even during his imprisonment, which few could bear, his steadfastness was a catalyst for the international community to move toward coexistence. It is no wonder he received the noble peace prize in 1993.[3]  The peaceful election leading to his presidency in 1994, truly symbolized a joyous aspiration for the human spirit. In this regard, his legacy clarified and confirmed that inter alia: discrimination is not acceptable; apartheid of any kind is unlawful; and, violence to gain objectives is unjustifiable.

Therefore, for this humble event we will reflect on Nelson Mandela’s goals and achievements and “his capacity for seeing the best in people and his belief in the dignity of humankind.”[4]

[1]http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1374898/nelson-mandelas-struggle-freedom-inspired-world.

[2]Sampson, Anthony,Mandela, The Authorized Biography(Alfred A. Knopf, 1999) p. 239.

[3]https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/index.html. He shared the prize withFrederik Willem de Klerk "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa."

[4]Ibid., 516.

The Initiative for Governance, Reconciliation and Coexistence (Grace Initiative) is convening a Forum to address intensifying differences in the US regarding the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and inclusion.  The Forum draws from a recent Pew Research Study that recently found that Americans are more divided than ever over about social issues such as safety net, race, and immigration. To develop policy and to protect fundamental freedoms and rights, we need to find common ground for addressing collective challenges in our democratic society.

Our goal is to develop a strategy for a road map for coexistence in one of the world’s oldest democracies – the US. We hope to take up concerns, hopes and fears.  The Forum will provide a platform for strategies for promoting dialogue, countering extremism, and fostering healing to halt the rise of divisiveness. Also, we will examine how the globally endorsed 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, especially for peaceful and inclusive societies, applies in the US.

This Forum will comprise of international and national experts in democracy, coexistence, immigration, psychology, and social justice. Speakers include:

Dr. Massimo Tommasoli, Permanent Observer at the United Nations for International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA); Dr. Theodore Johnson, Brandeis University, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Associate Professor in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence; Rabbi Or Rose, Director, The Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership, Ms. Marion Davis, Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Coalition (MIRA Coalition); Mr. Syed Meesam Razvi, al-Kohei Foundation;  Representative from the Mayor’s Office.  Also, Greta Hagen of UU Urban Ministry will welcome everyone.

Please RSVP at: contact@grace-initiative.org. No cost, but donations welcomed.