The Weekly

Marc Purcell, what is at the top of your mind this week?

The world has witnessed approximately 27,000 deaths, tens of thousands injured or missing, and 1.7 million displaced in Gaza. ACFID and 11 members have urgently written to the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, seeking public support for the International Court of Justice’s interim provisional decision. These measures are crucial for providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and easing the escalating humanitarian crisis. The letter also calls for $100 million in new funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank, including support for Australian NGOs. Australia is urged to comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, cease the trade of military goods, and ensure transparency in arms sales.

Additionally, the 3-year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar was marked this week. The humanitarian situation remains dire, affecting 33% of the population, with 18 million people in crisis. The Foreign Minister announced additional sanctions, and ACFID members are actively working to alleviate civilian suffering.

Finally, congratulations are extended to Lyn Morgain, an ACFID board member, recognized as a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through various organizations. The acknowledgment is well-deserved.

To Note

Gaza Update

ACFID have welcomed the interim judgement made at the International Court of Justice last week, as shown in our media release here. ACFID, alongside the wider International Humanitarian and Development sector continue to reiterate calls for unimpeded humanitarian assistance, for all parties to protect civilians for a ceasefire. Additionally, ACFID is in the process of coordinating an open letter to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the ICJ provisional measures, aswell as the importance of UNRWA. 

To Note

Sudan

With the United Nations launching a global appeal for Sudan, ACFID has called for Australia to invest in critical life-saving funding for Sudan. Our media release can be found here. You can read more about the UN global appeal here.

To Note

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

Scrutiny report 1 of 2024 is out now, with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism arguing that Australia’s counter-terrorism sanctions are inconsistent with international human rights law, including privacy & fair trial. The report can be found here.

To Note

ACFID’s Pre-Budget submission 2024-2025

ACFID’s Pre-Budget Submission has been finalised & lodged. It can also be found on our website here. Many thanks to all who provided input.

To Note

DCCEEW Stakeholder Briefings
Tuesday 13 February 2024: Article 6 stakeholder update

Join Australia’s UNFCCC Paris Agreement – Article 6 negotiators, Kate Hancock and Ana Lewis, for a stakeholder update on Article 6 negotiations post-COP28. Click here for briefing details and to RSVP for the meeting link.

To Note

A little less conversation – New Episode

Episode 9 of ‘A Little Less Conversation,’ featuring Carolyn Kitione, is out! This episode explores how climate change affects different Pacific groups such as gender, youth, and elders, and discusses effective climate leadership. Listen here

To Note

AP4D Symposium: A Whole-of-Nation Approach to International Policy

You are warmly invited to attend the virtual launch of a new paper from the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D): ‘What does it look like for Australia to take a whole-of-nation approach to international policy’.

Key development, diplomacy and defence policies have called for Australia to take a ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to its engagement with the world. This moves beyond ‘whole-of-government’ to involve a range of other actors including business and investment, science and technology, education, sports, culture, media and civil society.

To date, however, there has been little discussion of the substance behind this idea.
This paper is the culmination of four months of extensive consultations with 113 experts from 93 organisations. Join us to hear the perspectives of different actors on the opportunities and barriers in implementing a whole-of-nation approach as well as lessons that can be learned from existing cross-sector collaboration.

Who: Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue
When: Friday 16 February
Time: 1 – 2pm (AEDT)
Where: Online – register here via Zoom

To Note

AP4D Dialogue: Countering Economic Statecraft

Economic statecraft – the use of economic tools for geopolitical objectives – remains a live issue throughout the region. Examples of coercive economic statecraft include the imposition of trade embargoes, tariffs or quotas, the curtailing of foreign aid, the imposition of travel bans or the placing of restrictive controls over foreign investment. This highlights the inadequacy of a siloed response
Join us for this interactive dialogue to examine how coercive economic statecraft manifests in the region, identify barriers to effective response, and explore how Australia can leverage its tools of statecraft and work with regional partners.

Who: Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue
When: Wednesday 21 February
Time: 1 – 2pm (AEDT)
Where: Online – register here via Zoom

To Attend

ACFID Climate Action Peer Learning Program

ACFID is excited to announce that registration is now open to Members for our Climate Action Peer Learning Program. This is a 3-month program for members to systematically review and enhance their approach to climate action in operational, programmatic and advocacy aspects of their organisation.  The Program will be delivered through facilitated workshops, Peer Learning Group sessions, Deep Dive webinars, supported action planning and access to curated resources.

Registration closes  16 February. More information here

To Attend

Women in Aid Development: International Women’s Day 2024 Event

International Women’s Day 2024 theme, “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment,” is organized by Women in Aid. Join them online in Melbourne or Sydney to explore pathways for global economic empowerment. Read more here

To Attend

2023-2024 Jerusalem Peace Prize

Australians for Palestine (AFP) and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) announced Dr. Helen McCue AM, co-founder of APHEDA and advocate for refugee and women’s rights, as the recipient of the 2023-2024 Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize. The award ceremony honouring Helen will take place at Melbourne Town Hall on Friday, 23 February. Read more and get your tickets here

To Attend

Featured Jobs

OVERSEAS PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR

St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia | ACT

Read more and apply.

To Attend

Upcoming Events

ACFID’s media team is updating our Digital Image Library and contact list. We kindly request our members to contact [email protected] and contribute additional images and updated contact details.