Private security guards employed to forcibly remove people from the UK have used racist language and inappropriate force. A report by MPs Commons' Home Affairs Committee said the UK Border Agency should challenge unacceptable behaviour by some of its contractor. "It is a matter for serious concern that contractors should use racist language among themselves," said the report. "That they were content to do so in front of not only UK Border Agency staff but also inspectors from HM Inspectorate of Prisons is shocking. It is possibly the result of a relationship between the Agency and its contractors which had become too cosy." BBC News Thursday 26th January 2012
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Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) has expressed major disappointment in the Scottish Government’s Budget Bill which has now been published.
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On 19th January, a meeting took place at Lambeth Palace in London between key representatives from the churches and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. Ekklesia associate, regional exoert and churches' adviser Dr Harry Hagopian, who was present, reflects on the issues raised and the spirit of the gathering.
(Ekklesia 21 Jan 2012)
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The Report documents human rights abuses worldwide including: mistreatment of migrants in Western Europe; violations of the laws of war in Libya and Afghanistan; the plight of political prisoners in Vietnam and Eritrea; the silencing of dissent in China and Cuba; internet crackdowns in Iran and Thailand; killings by security forces in India and Mexico; election-related problems in Russia and the DR Congo; neglectful maternal health policies in Haiti and South Africa; suppression of religious freedom in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia; torture in Pakistan and Uzbekistan; discrimination against people with disabilities in Nepal and Peru; detention without trial in Malaysia and by the United States.
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A recent statement of the Bishops of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) discusses options for the management of the EU rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. A European Community of Solidarity and Responsibility is a significant document for consideration at a time when Europeans face difficult choices.
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In his 2012 message to the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, Pope Benedict said said that environmental protection and the connection between fighting poverty and fighting climate change are important areas for the promotion of integral human development
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