Christian Aid Ireland magazine 50: Winter 2016

Christian Aid Ireland Winter 2016

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Number 50

LIGHT THE WAY Supporting displaced families this Christmas

HURRICANE MATTHEW Responding in Haiti

Christian Aid Ireland is the official relief and development agency of the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Moravian Church, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the Salvation Army, and the Irish Council of Churches.

It is a member of ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together), the worldwide ecumenical network for emergency relief.

Christian Aid is a signatory to the Dóchas Code of Conduct on Images & Messages.

More details can be found on www.dochas.ie. Please send any feedback about images in this publication to fmutesasira@christian-aid.org

Rosamond Bennett Chief Executive, Christian Aid Ireland

Annual Report 2015/16 The Christian Aid Ireland Annual Report 2015/16 is now available.

It includes detailed financial statements and stories that demonstrate how the fundraising and campaigning work of our supporters in Ireland have helped make a real difference in the communities where we work.

We raised €9,212k /£6,874k during the financial year 2015/16, including €904k /£642k from Christian Aid Week 2015.

How funds were raised 8% 11% 11% 10%

53%

10%

Canal House Canal Road, Dublin 6 Tel: (01) 496 7040 Email: Dublin@christian-aid.org

10% 10%

Government and other official sources Government and other official sources Christian Aid Week Christian Aid Week Church Income Church Income Emergency appeals Emergency appeals General donations General donations Other sources Other sources

How funds were spent

Deborah Doherty, Head of Church & Community

Dublin

53%

8% 8%

Belfast Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Belfast BT8 7QN Tel: (028) 9064 8133 Email: Belfast@christian-aid.org

8%

7% 31%

7%

7%

Fundraising Fundraising Campaigning, Advocacy & Education Campaigning, Advocacy & Education Development Development Emergency & Humanitarian Emergency & Humanitarian

7%

31%

Ambrose Duffy, Head of Fundraising 55%

Cork Hill View Bandon, Cork Tel: (023) 88 41468 Email: Cork@christian-aid.org

55%

Opt Out of Print Version

Andrew Coleman, Church & Community Officer

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christianaidireland Edited by Florence Mutesasira

The work of Christian Aid Ireland is based on our Christian belief that everyone, regardless of faith or race, is entitled to live a full life, free from poverty.

We are driven to make this change happen and to inspire others to help make it happen.

@christianaidirl

@christianaidirl

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Contents

Editorial I am writing this while on a visit to Myanmar (formerly Burma) with my colleague, Karol Balfe, the President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev. Bill Mullally and his wife, Val. We have been so impressed with how our local partner organisations are working to improve the livelihoods of marginalised communities in Myanmar, as well as providing aid and advocating for the rights of internally displaced people and refugees.

Today, more than 65 million people have been displaced around the world due to conflict and violence. The media continues to carry stories of thousands of refugees risking perilous journeys to flee their homes and countries due to ongoing conflict. Many, including children, have lost their lives along the way. Christian Aid and our partners continue to provide support to communities affected by conflict and violence.

Our 2016 Christmas appeal, ‘Light The Way’ (page 10), will make it possible for Christian Aid to continue helping families who have been forced from their homes by the darkness of violence and fear to find safety and a welcoming refuge.

Please continue to keep the work of our staff and partners in Haiti in your prayers. The destructive power of Hurricane Matthew and subsequent flooding has brought further devastation to many vulnerable communities still rebuilding their homes and livelihoods after the 2010 earthquake.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. Thank you for giving your time, your money and your prayers. We simply would not be able to continue our work without you.

Can I recommend our 2016 Present Aid catalogue (enclosed).

Please do take a look at the gift selection in the catalogue or go online at presentaid.ie and see what a difference you can make by choosing to shop with Present Aid this Christmas.

We wish you all a blessed Christmas and New Year.

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News ■ 4 Slieve Bloom Hike

Tullamore churches launched new hike ■ 7 Tackling Violence, Building Peace

Emergencies update ■ 8 A safe place to call home

Responding to the global refugee crisis ■ 9 Hurricane Matthew Appeal

Helping affected communities in Haiti

Christmas ■ 10 Light the Way

Features ■ 12 India

Speaking out against violence ■ 14 Elizabeth Ferrar

Leaving a legacy of learning

Campaigns ■ 16 ‘Sourced’ in Northern Ireland ■ 17 Apple ruling

A case for tax transparency Rosamond Bennett CEO Christian Aid Ireland

Events ■ 18 Fundraising

■ Cover: A refugee boy puts on a new pair of wellies he has received from Philanthropy.

Five to six thousand refugees have been arriving in Serbia across the Macedonia border every day. They are arriving exhausted, cold and covered in mud; many without adequate footwear, socks or warm clothes. Philanthropy, our ACT Alliance partner, is providing aid, including wellington boots, socks, coats for children, baby food, nappies and snacks.

Photo credit: Christian Aid / Andrew Testa

Strangford Sportive, Sheep’s Head Hike ■ 19 Events Diary Christian Aid Ireland Winter 2016

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News

Tullamore Churches Together launch Christian Aid Slieve Bloom Hike Over 70 walkers joined the first Christian Aid Slieve Bloom Hike on 14th May and helped raise over €1,400 to for the work of Christian Aid. The walk was organised by Tullamore Churches Together and supported by the local community in Laois and Offaly.

“We are walking in solidarity with so many people in the developing world today, poor communities and individuals, refugees who are walking, travelling for days, taking long, and unsafe journeys to seek safety and sanctuary from conflict,” Rev. William Hayes of Tullamore and Mountmellick Presbyterian Church, said.

‘Thank You’ from Kenya to All Saints Parish, Eglantine

Tullamore Churches Together on the Slieve Bloom Hike.

“We are walking with communities devastated by the effects of climate change, such as in Bangladesh, where homes are washed away and lives lost during flooding. With people who have no access to clean water, schools, or medical services. By walking, we can support them and raise funds that can change their lives and bring hope to many people.”

Our heartfelt appreciation to Tullamore Churches Together, to the local community, and to Richard Jack and John Scully, who led the Slieve Bloom Hike.

In 2014 All Saints Parish, Eglantine committed to raise funds for a maternal and child healthcare project in Kenya.

The project was match funded by the European Union, meaning for every £1 raised, the EU match funded it with a further £3 (up to a total of £5,000). This project has now come to a close and we are delighted with the impact it has had on families and communities in Kenya.

Esther asked us to pass on this message:

“Thank you because you have uplifted our lives. You’ve saved the lives of women and children, and prevented diseases’.

Mother companions, Esther and Mary, are two of the traditional birth attendants who through this project have been retrained as mother companions in their village in Narok County. They also play a vital role in encouraging women to attend the clinic to give birth safely. The community is committed to improving the health of mother and babies.

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Match funding projects are a great way to make your funding commitment go further. If you, your church or business would be interested in supporting one of our match funding projects please email Sarah Leeman, sleeman@christian-aid.org, for more information.

20 Years of collecting for Christian Aid Week

Shopping Centre Collections We had two shopping centre collections in Dublin last September.

Supporters from Taney Parish Church and Dundrum Methodist Church held a collection in Nutgrove Shopping Centre on Saturday, 3 September and raised just over €460.00.

On September 23rd, supporters from St Brigid’s Church of Ireland Parish in Stillorgan held a collection at Stillorgan Shopping and raised just over €465.00.

Volunteers collecting for Christian Aid Week, last May, at Dunnes Stores, Newbridge. Grace Murphy, Rosemary Perle, Kate Burns & Pauline Mullins.

Volunteers from Newbridge Parish helped raise €1,648 for Christian Aid Week from two shopping centre collections – one in Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre in Newbridge on May 21st and in Kilcullen town on June 18th.

We are extremely grateful to both groups for their efforts for Christian Aid.

If you think you could get a group of volunteers together to collect for Christian Aid, please email Dublin@christian-aid.org or phone 01 4967040.

Newbridge and Kildare Union of Parishes have been collecting for Christian Aid for 20 years, and have raised more than €24,000 to date.

We are very grateful to all the collectors from the Parish and wider local community and to all who have given generously over the years. A special thanks to local Christian Aid supporter, Trudi Jeffers, who has organised the collections since they started.

Des Gilmor, from St. Brigid’s Church of Ireland Parish in Stillorgan collecting for Christian Aid at Stillorgan Shopping Centre on Friday, 23 September.

60 years of Christian Aid Week 2017 will mark 60 years of Christian Aid Week and because of this, Christian Aid has been nominated as one of the official charities of the Lord Mayor of Belfast.

We would like to hear from everyone who has been involved with Christian Aid Week for 40 or more years.

There will be special events planned and it would be great to have everyone included.

Please don’t be shy! If you have been involved, or know someone who has been involved with Christian Aid Week for 40 years or more, email Deborah Doherty at ddoherty@christian-aid.org or call 028 9064 8133.

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Loving Every Neighbour A very sincere Thank You, to everyone who helped support Christian Aid Week this year. To collectors, cake makers, soup mixers and breakfast bakers and everyone who kindly donated time and money, this was really appreciated.

Mrs Hazel McCall, Christian Aid Week organiser for Lisburn promotes the Christian Aid Week theme of Love Every Neighbour.

Thank you for being part of a huge movement of people, all working together to bring transformative change to the lives of poor communities across the globe. Up to the end of August 2016 Christian Aid Week in Ireland has raised £540,000/ €624.510

Hardin Simmons University Choir from Abiline, Texas who gave a concert during Christian Aid Week in the Agape Centre, Lisburn Road, Belfast and raised over £740.

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It was terrific to look at the map of Christian Aid Week events on our website and to see so many events taking place across the whole island of Ireland! Many of those events were Big Brekkies which was a new initiative from Christian Aid. If you think your church would like to hold a Big Brekkie next year, do get in touch with Helen (Belfast) or Jane (Dublin) to order your resources.

Some of the staff from Construction Industry Federation and Canal House at a Christian Aid Coffee morning held in the Dublin office.

Christian Aid Ireland takes lead on Tackling Violence, Building peace 1.5 billion people live in areas affected by conflict, insecurity or large-scale criminal violence.

These countries often have the highest rates of poverty.

The breakdown of social structures caused by conflict has a ripple effect of displacement, forced migration, and long-term dependency.

Where conflict takes hold, it can wipe out years of development.

In communities, social and domestic violence prolongs the oppression of women, children and minorities.

This year, Christian Aid Ireland has taken leadership of the work on tackling violence and building peace on behalf of Christian Aid. What is Tackling Violence, Building Peace (TVBP)?

Over 120 participants, from Ireland and overseas, took part in the international peer learning conference, “Civil Society, Conflict Transformation and Peace Building”, in Belfast (November 2014).

The conference was organised by Christian Aid Ireland, with the Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University.

Strategy for Peace Christian Aid Ireland has produced a strategy on Tackling Violence, Building Peace. It states how we will: • Provide organisational leadership and strategic direction to Christian Aid globally on TVBP • Develop new research and partnerships for TVBP • Support local partners to prevent and reduce violence, resolve conflict, and build peace Christian Aid Ireland will draw from the experience of peacebuilding on the island of Ireland for TVBP. We have established a strong academic partnership with the Transitional Justice Institute in the University of Ulster, with two events in November 2014 and 2015.

Tackling Violence, Building Peace is one of Christian Aid's strategic objectives. It describes the work we and our partners do to protect people at risk of violence; to support survivors, including survivors of gender-based violence; and to promote just, inclusive, and lasting peace.

This November we will host an event in Dublin with a wider group of practitioners, researchers, and policy makers. This event will launch the TVBP strategy, build on our existing partnerships, and inform the way we work on TVBP in future.

We will focus our work on areas affected by violence: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Zimbabwe; Iraq, Syria, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; Myanmar; Colombia and Central America.

Find out more about our ‘Tackling Violence, Building Peace’ work at www.christianaid.ie/tvbp

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Emergencies

Global Refugee Crisis

Millions looking for a safe place to call home The current global refugee crisis is at a scale that has not been seen since the Second World War. An estimated 65.3 million people globally have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict and insecurity, fearing for their safety and the safety of their families. More than half of the world’s refugees are children.

Most refugees are not in Europe, but in much poorer countries.

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Although the refugees arriving in Europe get the most media attention, poor countries are currently bearing the burden of supporting refugees, while many rich nations are closing their doors to those seeking refuge.

86% of the world’s refugees are hosted in poor developing countries, while five of the world’s richest countries host less than 5 per cent of all refugees.

65.3 million refugees and displaced people globally 86% are hosted by developing countries Christian Aid is calling on the Irish and UK governments to receive a fair and proportional share of refugees, to provide them safe and legal travel routes and to help reunite refugee families.

Christian Aid is helping refugees around the world The continued support of our supporters in Ireland means Christian Aid can continue to work through our local partners to meet the needs of refugees. Not only refugees arriving in Greece and Serbia, but also refugees and displaced people in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon; in Asia, South and Central America; and in Africa.

We are providing humanitarian aid and support to refugees and displaced people around the world.

In Europe More than a million refugees have made the perilous journey across the Mediterranean into Europe. Five to six thousand refugees have been arriving in Serbia alone, across the Macedonia border, every day.

Christian Aid is working in Greece and Serbia through ACT Alliance. Our partners are welcoming refugees and providing immediate essential supplies like wellington boots, coats for children, socks, baby food, nappies, and snacks.

Hurricane Matthew Appeal for Haiti

Syria, Lebanon and Iraq The five-year Syrian conflict has forced 4.9 million people to seek refuge in other countries. Over 6 million people are displaced within Syria while Lebanon is hosting 1.1 million registered refugees.

In Iraq 4.4 million people have been displaced by conflict, over 250,000 of them are Syrian refugees. In Iraq, we have so far reached 225,000 people, but there are many more people in need.

Most Syrian refugees are fleeing into neighbouring countries.

South Sudan In South, 2.4 million people have fled their homes amid ongoing fighting since December 2013. Our partners continue to help, despite the adverse conditions. They are providing access to safe water, shelter, household items, as well as seeds and agricultural tools.

We believe in a just world where everybody has a safe place to call home.

The rights of refugees and migrants must be upheld and vulnerable groups must be protected. More effort must be made to address the reasons people are forced to flee and to end conflicts.

Please help us continue to respond to the immediate and long-term needs of refugees. Find out more at christianaid.ie/refugees.

On Tuesday 4 October, Hurricane Matthew swept through the southwest of Haiti, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Winds of up to 145mph, severe flooding and landslides destroyed homes, bridges and plantations. The destruction wrought by Hurricane Matthew has affected 350,000 Haitians and left the country facing its worst humanitarian crisis since the devastating earthquake six years ago.

At the time of print, more than 850 people were confirmed dead, however the death toll has continued to rise.

“Thousands of people have lost their homes, livelihoods and most of their belongings,” Prospery Raymond, Christian Aid’s country manager in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, said.

“Livestock were swept away, plantations and a lot of farms have been flattened – corn and banana crops have been wiped away.”

Christian Aid is helping Before the storm hit, the Christian Aid Haiti team worked with local partners to help people evacuate to shelters and ensured that the shelters were stocked with food and other vital supplies.

Thousands of people whose homes are destroyed or flooded are now living in shelters, churches and schools. They need essential items like blankets and hygiene kits, as well as more food and water.

Please give what you to the Hurricane Matthew Appeal so that our partners can help communities recover.

Donate online at christianaid.ie/hurricanematthew or call 01 496 7040 or 028 9064 8133.

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#LightTheWay

Light the Way for a displaced family this Christmas As we come together this Christmas to celebrate Jesus, the light who came into the world, many of us fill our homes with light and laughter, family and friends. But for millions who are fleeing from conflict, a joyful home is a somewhat distant memory.

More than 65 million people cannot be at home for Christmas this year. They are being forced out by the darkness of violence and fear, and are searching for safety and refuge. In war-torn Syria, newlyweds Joudy and Mhealden were forced to flee their home just two weeks after they got married. Arriving at the Serbia-Macedonia border, they join the millions of desperate people escaping conflict and violence in Iraq, South Sudan, Afghanistan and Somalia.

Christian Aid is supporting families that have been forced to flee their homes.

Georgette's Story Georgette and her family had been living in an area of DRC where there were constant problems with armed groups.

She and her three-month-old son, Pierre, were captured and taken far away. What Georgette had to endure during that time is unimaginable.

She managed to escape with Pierre after four days, running through the woods to safety. After a desperate hunt, Georgette found her other children staying with a ‘host’ family in the central Shabunda territory.

They were overjoyed to be reunited but they could not return home and had no money or possessions. It was only thanks to generous people like you that we could help them.

Georgette

'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light' Isaiah 9:2 10 Christian Aid Ireland Winter 2016

Will you join thousands of people and be a light for those living in darkness this Christmas? £5/€6 £120/€140 £3/€3.50

could give an essential set of clothes to a person fleeing violence, like Georgette, in the DRC. could pay for medical care and counselling for a woman who has survived sexual violence, helping her to come to terms with her ordeal.

Refugees in Serbia, like Joudy and Mhealden, could receive a full nutritious meal for just £3/€3.50 each.

£11/€13

could supply a week’s worth of hygiene essentials to a family of five.

£20/€24

could provide a basic set of clothes and shoes.

Visit christianaid.ie/christmas for more information.

You can also support the #LightTheWay Christmas appeal by calling 028 9064 8133 or 01 496 7040. Thank You.

Even more in Present Aid for 2016!

Please take time to browse this year’s new Present Aid catalogue which is enclosed.

There is even more variety this year and many smaller gifts that would make excellent stocking fillers for family and friends.

For £10/€12 or less you could support our work with refugees by purchasing a pair of boots or a day’s worth of food for refugees seeking sanctuary on the border of Macedonia and Serbia.

The ever popular goats and chicks are still available and one of the larger gifts is a package for families living on small islands in Bangladesh to raise their homes by 7ft and reduce the risk of flooding by the rising waters.

£10/€12 A pair of boots

You could help provide some of the most vulnerable refugees – young children, the elderly and those with disabilities – with footwear to protect them during the cold, wet winter months.

£8/€10 Pair of chicken

s

For someone liv ing with HIV, chickens can mean eggs to sell and a stable income.

For an even wider choice of gifts visit our website presentaid.ie or call the office in Belfast 028 9064 8133 or Dublin 01 496 7040 and we would be delighted to help.

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Overseas

Speaking out against violence and discrimination Michael Briggs, Christian Aid Campaigns and Education Officer writes about his recent visit to India with a team of educators from Ireland.

I travelled to India with three educators from Ireland, North and South, Francine Magill, Brighid Golden, and Ruth Logan. While there, we visited Christian Aid partners who are working to improve the lives of marginalised and discriminated communities.

On one of our visits, we took part in a village meeting in Ranga Reddy District, is a district in the Indian state of Telangana. We arrived to a large crowd having what looked like a joyous celebration.

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As we stepped out of the cars, they threw flower petals over us started singing and dancing, welcoming us with such a joy I have rarely come across.

It was soon clear though, that the main celebration was not about, or for us. It was for Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS), a local organisation with the vision of a society in which Dalit women have real equality, equity, dignity, rights and resources.

Dalit women are often oppressed, discriminated against and exploited under the caste, class and gender structures. So DSS have created platforms for Dalit women to discuss and share their stories and challenges with others. These support meetings have spread to over 2400 villages, including slums, in seven districts.

Michael Briggs, Francine Magill, Brighid Golden, Sonia Wazed from Change Alliance, and Ruth Logan at a village meeting organised by DSS in the Ranga Reddy District, India.

Brighid Golden, Ruth Logan and Francine Magill photographed with some of the inspirational DSS volunteers who devote their time and energy to demand rights for Dalit women, children and men at village, district and state level.

The stories that were shared by victims of rape, abuse, beatings and many other atrocities were hard to voice and difficult to hear. And for those telling the stories, it was empowering, as the community listened to them and stood beside them in their suffering. We were deeply moved by their courage and strength.

We realised, DSS’s work is all consuming for those involved and its staff, volunteers and members are utterly inspirational in their energy and commitment as step-by-step they transform an atmosphere of fear and discrimination into one of joy and celebration.

A young girl who had been discriminated and bullied by her school teachers and attempted suicide by dousing her body with kerosene and setting herself alight. A woman whose husband had been arrested for a crime he had nothing to do with and tortured into confession.

A pregnant woman beaten simply because she was a Dalit.

DSS also offers legal expertise to those who have suffered violence. Since its beginnings, they have processed over 10,000 cases including gang rapes and murders.

Unfortunately, it has often been the case that the accused is simply fined and let off if they belong to a higher caste.

DSS has engaged with the media and held public demonstrations to highlight and further raise awareness of the injustices suffered by the Dalit women.

The staff and many volunteers of DSS have seen, and will continue to see many dark days and know that they have struggles ahead. However, as Ruth Logan, secondary school teacher from Wallace High School, Lisburn stated,

“There is no time for self-pity – grit and determination to fight for justice are evident in this community.”

The Ireland visiting team take part in the village meeting, where victims of Dalit discrimination are given the opportunity to share their experiences and DSS volunteers provide advice and support.

If you would like to become involved in supporting this project in India please contact Sarah Leeman in the Belfast office sleeman@christian-aid.org

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A Legacy of Learning Bishop Michael Burrows Rt. Revd. Michael Burrows, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory travelled to India with Deborah Doherty to open the Elizabeth Ferrar Education Centre in Hyderabad. Following her death in 2001, Christian Aid received a generous legacy from Miss Ferrar's estate, via Bishops’ Appeal. He writes: Thanks entirely to the generous legacy of Miss Elizabeth Ferrar, Christian Aid’s partner COVA (Confederation of Voluntary Agencies) now has a new and purpose built education centre which will also be a permanent memorial in her adopted country to her character and commitment. I was very honoured to be invited to represent the bishops of the Church of Ireland at the opening of the building.

During our visit to India we did not just celebrate the role of the Ferrar Centre; we also visited Christian Aid projects which in the spirit of Elizabeth herself emphasise that the empowerment of women and the provision of educational opportunities for girls is so often the way to break a cycle of poverty and exploitation. To meet a group of Dalit women who had survived, indeed triumphed, over the most appalling sexual exploitation and violation and to hear their stories was powerfully and in fact indescribably moving.

In Delhi, we witnessed how Christian Aid and its partners work in the slums, with families who have migrated into the city and who live without sanitation in the flimsiest of shacks amid the mud of the monsoon, try to earn a little money by selling what they scavenge by hand from nearby rubbish tips. Very small children join their parents in this work.

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The Elizabeth Ferrar Education Centre

Christian Aid works with partners to provide little schools in tin huts known as Bridge schools, and parents come to realise that if their children receive a basic education there, they may manage to bridge a gap of knowledge that otherwise inhibits them from accessing the state run schools. To see the capacity and commitment of teachers working in these conditions was mind boggling.

Bishop Michael Burrows at the Foundations Stones of the Education Centre.

My brief visit to India opened my eyes to a vast country full of contrasts. It is the land of the Taj Mahal, the world's largest functioning democracy, yet the struggle to make equality of opportunity a reality for its people involves climbing a monumental mountain, and in that climb Christian Aid, now working in India as Change Alliance under the remarkable leadership of Dr Belinda Bennett, are truly making a difference.

Education lies at the heart of all social progress and it is surely right that the name of a great Irish Christian educationalist, Elizabeth Ferrar, will now be ever honoured in the land she loved and indeed called home.

(An abridged version of an article which appeared in the Church of Ireland Gazette, Friday 30 September 2016).

Dr Belinda Bennett, CEO Change Alliance, India, will be speaking at a Christian Aid Information Evening in The Old Palace, Kilkenny on Sunday 13 November, 7-9pm. For information contact Christian Aid 01 496 7040 or dublin@ christian-aid.org. (see page 19)

Efforts for peace in Colombia more urgent after referendum set back On Sunday 3 October, Colombians rejected a proposed peace deal between FARC rebels and the Colombian government in the shock referendum result, with 50.24% voting against it.

Colombia has been devastated by an internal armed conflict for more than fifty years. Almost 250,000 people have been killed and 6.9 million people are internally displaced people.

After almost four years of public negotiations, it was hoped that the peace agreement would bring an end to the conflict.

Following almost four years of public negotiations the final peace agreement would have established a bilateral and definitive ceasefire between Colombian armed forces and the FARC. The proposed deal included action on six major points: rural development, political participation, ending the conflict, illicit drugs, victims’ rights and peace deal implementation, verification and endorsement.

The peace deal also included specific measures to ensure victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparation; and provides for no amnesty for perpetrators of serious human rights violations, such as sexual violence, whether committed by state forces, the FARC or other paramilitary groups.

Christian Aid, and our Colombian partners, were deeply disappointed at the rejection of the peace deal.

Thomas Mortensen, Christian Aid Colombia Country Manager, said: “The vote cast huge uncertainty over the peace process.

The rejection of this peace deal for Colombia could result in a missed opportunity to end one of the world’s longest running conflicts and work towards a more equal society.

The government and those who opposed the deal must set aside their personal differences and short term political interests and work to find a solution for peace in Colombia".

“We are however very hopeful that a peaceful and lasting solution can be found,” he added.

Christian Aid and our partners in Colombia will continue to work for a negotiated solution to the armed conflict. We must not lose hope but redouble our efforts to build peace in Colombia.

Karol Balfe, Christian Aid Ireland’s Head of Programme Funding, emphasised the need for further engagement for peace in Colombia.

“Now, more than ever, Colombia needs the engagement of the international community. Ireland has played an important role supporting peace in Colombia and we urge the Irish government to continue this vital work.”

The ceremony in Cartagena, Colombia, where the historic peace deal was signed.

Credit: Thomas Mortensen

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Sourced Campaign Northern Ireland councils taking stand against tax dodging, David Thomas, Education & Campaigns Co-ordinator, writes.

Selling goods and services to local authorities and governments can be a lucrative business. In Northern Ireland, the market is worth around £2.6 billion (€3 billion).

Last year, Christian aid launched ‘Sourced’ which encourages local authorities to ask tax compliance questions to companies bidding for public contracts. Asking these questions sends a strong message that public bodies expect the companies they do business with to be ethical and always pay a fair amount of tax themselves.

Five councils in Northern Ireland have already put these measures in place – Belfast City Council; Lisburn and Castlereagh Council; Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, Omagh and Fermanagh Council and Ards and North Down Council.

Councillor Peter Martin, from Ards and North Down Council said “Christian Aid has proposed a new, more ethical way of doing business and we’re supporting it. This will ensure that when we buy goods or services, they are from a company who pays the appropriate rate of tax” There was even further progress when the Central Procurement Directorate, in the Department of Finance, which deals with construction, supplies and services contracts on behalf of the Northern Ireland central government, agreed to ask the ‘Sourced’ questions of companies bidding for large contracts.

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Finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir at the Christian Aid office in Belfast with Deborah Doherty, Dave Thomas and Caroline Knox of Christian Aid. Photo: Press Eye

“Tax avoidance and evasion hurts our local economy and in particular it harms some of the world’s poorest countries.”

UUP Councillor Alan Chambers, Ards and North Down Council Christian Aid recently met with the Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, to discuss the campaign and he agreed to write to the remaining six councils, to encourage them to also sign up to use the tax compliance questions.

The Minister said, “These new measures are a step forward in ensuring that the companies government deals with are taking a fair approach to tax. The new questions strengthen our position on companies that put in place complex tax avoidance arrangements and structures that are considered unacceptable by HMRC (UK tax authority). Companies will have to disclose if any of their tax returns have been found to be ‘incorrect’ by HMRC.”

To find out more about the Sourced campaign, and ask your local council to sign up, visit christianaid.ie/sourced

Apple ruling strong case for transparency in tax arrangements of multinationals In August, the European Commission ruled that Apple owes approximately €13 billion in back taxes to Ireland, accusing the company of having benefitted illegally from state-aid to enable Apple to avoid paying the proper tax for more than a decade.

The Apple ruling was in many ways, a vindication of what Christian Aid has been saying for many years: • That technically legal, doesn’t mean morally acceptable.

Many people have argued that the arrangements that Ireland and Apple came to were at the time legal. This may or may not be true, but either way, it does not take away from the fact that paying so little tax on such vast sums, is a moral issue, with real consequences for people and societies.

• That Irish tax policy impacts negatively on the ability of poor countries to generate tax. From what we understand from the various announcements, revenue generated in African countries was funnelled through an Apple company in Ireland thereby depriving countries of much needed revenue.

• That financial secrecy around the activities of multinationals allows some companies get away with paying far less tax than they should. That is quite apparent from what we know already, and raises the question as to whether there are other companies enjoying similar, if not identical arrangements, and gets to the heart of our calls to lift the veil of secrecy from the activities of multinationals.

Christian Aid Tax Bus outside Leinster House in Dublin.

The inevitable decision to appeal the ruling did not come without a silver lining though, and Christian Aid played a very important role in ensuring that the agreements reached as part of the Irish Cabinet’s decision to appeal contained some important elements of tax justice.

One of the most important agreements was that a high level conference on international tax is to be held before the end of the year. The conference is to include representatives from multinationals, government, academics, tax experts, and civil society.

It is expected that Christian Aid will have a prominent role in shaping and influencing the shape of this conference.

This will be a golden opportunity to ensure that the concerns of the people with whom we work for tax justice around the world, will be represented and to push Ireland for a more sustainable human rights focussed tax policy.

Sorley McCaughey, Head of Advocacy & Policy, Christian Aid Ireland

• And that public reporting on the full spectrum of a company’s activities in each of the countries in which they operate- something that we have long argued for- would many years ago have publicly highlighted that fact Apple was shifting vast sums of revenue into Ireland from countries in Africa, Middle East, and Europe, and paying little or no tax on that money.

Christian Aid Ireland Winter 2016 17

Fundraising Strangford Sportive Cycle

Sheep’s Head Hike

On Saturday 1 October we welcomed 300 cyclists to the 4th Christian Aid Strangford Sportive, raising over £9000 so far. They completed one of three route options: 40km, 80km and 120km and all participants enjoyed the cool, sunny weather and had some time at the refreshment stops to take in the beautiful county Down countryside.

We were overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the 120 hikers who joined us in West Cork, on a rainy and grey day for our 2016 Sheep’s Head Hike, on Saturday September 3rd.

Thank you to our partners, the Good Little Company who provided sausages for the much welcome Good Little Company BBQ at Delamont Country Park and Podium 4 Sport whose support vehicle helped cyclists get back on their bikes after any mechanical problems.

We are especially grateful to the many volunteers who contributed to this very successful event – we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you also to the NIMEG motorcyclists, the local PSNI and First Aiders from NWCAS who ensured the safety of the event.

Thank you to all who braved the weather and to all those who were not able to join us but supported us.

Thank you for the encouragement, for the great posts on social media and for your donations. We have so far raised over €4,000. These funds will a long way to support families and communities whose livelihoods are threatened by poverty, conflict, violence, climate change and emergencies.

“This was my first Christian Aid event, it was great, the friendly attitude of the organisers and volunteers made it even more enjoyable.

Fantastic route for the 120k. Looking forward to the next one,” Steve.

Sheep's Head Hike

We appreciated your support and solidarity and hope to see you again on Saturday 2 September 2017. Maybe with better weather! Check out christianaid.ie/hiking for more information.

Laganside Walk Strangford Sportive Cycle

Strangford Sportive Cycle

18 Christian Aid Ireland Winter 2016

Some of the 90 walkers who joined the family-friendly Laganside Walk on Saturday 1 September and helped raise £828 for Christian Aid. Photo: Simon Newell.

Events “Not Just Us?” Tuesday 1st November 2016, 7:45pm Hosted at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Braemor Park, Churchtown, Dublin.

We are delighted to welcome you to the third and final seminar in our autumn series where we explore Biblical and practical approaches to global justice. On Tuesday 1st November we take time to look at “Justice for the Refugee”, led by Christian Aid Theology Advisor, Sue Richardson.

This seminar series is a joint initiative by Christian Aid and the Church of Ireland Theological Institute Lay Leadership Department.

Please support our local Soup, Bread & Cheese Lunches.

For a small donation you receive a simple lunch of bread and cheese together with a choice of many varieties of home-made soup.

• Every Tuesday, 1st Lisburn Presbyterian Church, Market Square, Lisburn, Co Antrim • Every Thursday, Parish Rooms, St Malachy's Parish Church, Hillsborough, Co Down • 1st Wednesday, Armagh Road Presbyterian Church, Portadown • 1st Wednesday, Centre for Celtic Spirituality, Vicar’s Hill, Armagh • 1st Friday, The Parish Hall in Drumbeg Parish Church, Co Antrim

To register your interest for this event, please e-mail dublin@christian-aid.org or call 01 496 7040.

Christian Aid Information Evening in Kilkenny Sunday 13 November 2016, 7 - 9pm The Old Palace (Heritage Council HQ) Kilkenny Hosted by Bishop Michael Burrows Speaker Dr Belinda Bennett, CEO Change Alliance, India Come and hear how your support is helping communities across the world.

All welcome. (For parking enter via the Bishop’s Palace) To register or for more information email dublin@christian-aid.org or call 01 496 7040.

Dr Belinda Bennett, CEO Change Alliance, India

60 Years of Christian Aid Week Friday 5 May 2017, 7pm

rs 60 Yea

GALA Dinner in the Great Hall, City Hall, Belfast to mark 60 years of Christian Aid Week Further details and tickets will be available in January 2017 (By kind permission of the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Brian Kingston)

14-20 MAY 2017 Christian Aid Ireland Winter 2016 19

HURRICANE MATTHEW APPEAL Hurricane Matthew has swept through Haiti, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

Thousands have lost their homes, corn and banana crops have been flattened, and livestock have been swept away, especially in the southwest of the country where the flooding was described as 'truly catastrophic'.

People need essential items such as hygiene kits and blankets, food and clean water, as well materials to rebuild their homes, seeds and livestock.

Please help Christian Aid and our partners to respond.

Donate online christianaid.ie/hurricanematthew or call 028 9064 8133 or 01 496 7040.

Thank you Northern Ireland Charity number XR94639 / NIC101631 Company number NI059154 Republic of Ireland Charity number CHY6998 / 20014162 Company number 426928

www.christianaid.ie