Launch of Bishops’ Statement: ‘Who Is My Neighbour? Australia’s Role as a Global Citizen’
(17/09/2007)
The Statement, ‘Who Is My Neighbour? Australia’s role as a global citizen’, calls for Australia and Australians to act more in the interests of our neighbours who do not share our prosperity and security. Globalisation has meant that the riches and security that some enjoy depend on social and political conditions that impose poverty and lack of security on others.
‘Globalisation is good news, but it is not all good news’, the Statement says.
Trade justice is one area where Australia has obligations and opportunities as a global citizen. The challenge is to ensure globalisation in solidarity – globalisation without marginalisation.
The Statement focuses on five challenges that confront Australians as global citizens:
- increasing foreign aid and development assistance
- ensuring military alliances and interventions are underpinned by independent judgment
- supporting the UN and international financial institutions, but criticising them when necessary
- being a world leader in developing policies to address climate change
- making border protection and refugee policy humane and responsible.
Social Justice Sunday is celebrated on 30 September. The Statement can be found at: www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au or www.acbc.catholic.org.au from 17 September.
For more information, contact:
John Ferguson
National Executive Officer, ACSJC Tel: 02 9956 5811
Bishop Christopher Saunders
Chairman, ACSJC Tel: 0418 260 155
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