Dominicans for Justice and Peace

16/10/2026

At the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine (CoI) warned that continued Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure are deepening civilian suffering ahead of winter. Millions of civilians endured prolonged power outages, shortages or lengthy absence of heating during previous winters and will do so again this year. The Commission also raised concerns over the militarization of education in occupied territories, making mandatory weapons training part of the curriculum. The CoI further stressed in its statement the need for accountability and support for victims as the human cost of the war continues to grow. Dominicans for Justice and Peace continues to pray for and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian civilians who suffer disproportionately the impacts of the war. We also express our solidarity with the Dominican Family in Ukraine who is working tirelessly to support affected communities and accompany those in need. The Dominican Family is deeply concerned by the abduction of children, as well as the inhuman treatment of prisoners of war and civilian detainees. We call for the protection of all those affected by the conflict.

Distinguished President, Excellencies,Together with my colleague Vrinda Grover, I am presenting this oral update on the progress of the investigations of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine during its fifth mandate from 31 March 2026.

15/10/2026

On Monday, we gathered to celebrate Fr. Aniedi Okure, OP, as he concludes six years as Director of Dominicans for Justice and Peace and General Promoter for Justice and Peace of the Order.

Many of the colleagues, partners, and friends that shared part of the this journey with him, celebrated with us and looked back at six productive years.

Thank you, Fr. Aniedi, for all the energy, enthusiasm, and good humor you brought to our team and mission. We wish you every success, happiness, and blessings!

07/10/2026

Dominicans for Justice and Peace, together with partner organizations, such as Franciscans International, co-sponsored a statement during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Solomon Islands, welcoming the Government's acceptance of recommendations addressing the human rights and environmental impacts of logging and mining. The statement highlighted the urgent need to protect local communities, safeguard land rights through free, prior and informed consent, strengthen environmental oversight, and advance key legislative reforms to promote human rights, environmental justice, and sustainable development.
You can read the full statement on our website: https://un.op.org/resources/official-statements/63rd-session-of-the-human-rights-councilitem-6-upr-adoption24-september-2026/

01/10/2026

From 18 to 21 September, Fr Ivan Attard (from the Province of Malta), as Regional Promoter for Dominicans for Justice and Peace (DJP) Europe, and I, as the Order’s representative to the UN in Vienna, (from the Province of Germany and Austria ) attended the conference of the European diocesan commissions for justice and peace within the framework of the bishops’ conferences as ‘observers’ in Glasgow. The theme was ‘nuclear disarmament and paths towards an unarmed and disarmament-based peace’. Among those present
were the Archbishop of Dijon, Antoine Herouard, and the Archbishop of Glasgow, William Nolan, as well as representatives from across Europe.
In addition to various reports, there was a trip to the Faslane-on-Clyde naval base near Glasgow on
Gare Loch. Submarines armed with Trident missiles are stationed there. These carry nuclear warheads with enormous explosive power. A single missile could completely destroy the whole of Moscow and its surrounding area. Cost of one missile: between 30 and 50 million dollars… . Just think of all the good that could be done with that money – for example, putting an end to the world’s famines once and for all!
This visit culminated in a prayer for peace led by both bishops outside the gates of the base. Every day, the group celebrated Holy Mass with the bishops and, of course, enjoyed some cozy moments with wh**ky and Scottish music.

11/09/2026

🇻🇪 Venezuela: debe continuar la vigilancia internacional de los derechos humanos

En el marco del 63.º período de sesiones del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU ( ), que tiene lugar en septiembre de 2026, pedimos a los Estados miembros de la ONU que renueven los mandatos de la Misión internacional independiente de determinación de los hechos sobre Venezuela y de la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos (ACNUDH) sobre Venezuela y reafirmen su compromiso con los derechos humanos, la rendición de cuentas y la justicia en Venezuela.

La vigilancia y el seguimiento internacional independientes siguen siendo esenciales para garantizar que las violaciones graves de derechos humanos no queden sin documentar y que las víctimas permanezcan en el centro de la atención internacional.

09/09/2026

Dominicans for Justice and Peace is pleased to have co-sponsored this informative and timely side event on during this week!

09/09/2026

Dominicans for Justice and Peace stands in solidarity with the victims in Nepal. As the country responds to the devastating floods and landslides, it is essential that disaster response and recovery place human rights at the centre.

Recovery should not only rebuild infrastructure. It must also protect dignity, address inequalities and ensure that affected communities have a voice in decisions that directly affect their lives.

Our hearts are particularly close to the people of Nepal, following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the Himalayan region on 26 August. The disaster devastated communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, destroying homes and infrastructure and leaving many people dead or missing. Rescue and relief operations continue amid difficult conditions and the danger of further flooding.
We invite all Dominican Sisters, Associates, collaborators and friends to remember the people of Nepal in prayer, especially those who have lost loved ones, those still missing, the injured and displaced, and the rescue and relief workers serving affected communities.
Let us also remember all people affected by natural calamities around the world. May these experiences deepen our commitment to ecological conversion and to building communities that protect life, strengthen resilience and care for our Common Home.

07/09/2026

https://www.youtube.com/live/6cs1XfUEQ7c?si=wlQYckTf5QFQqioe

As climate impacts intensify, communities on the frontlines are fac...

02/09/2026

Please come and join us for this side event we are co-sponsoring!

🗓️ 7 September
🕝 14:00 – 15:00
📍Room XI, Palais des Nations
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cs1XfUEQ7c

Across the world, people on the frontlines of climate change are facing mounting threats to their rights, livelihoods and futures. The funds needed to meet this new reality are still sorely lacking.

At , we’ll look at the realities facing these affected communities and explore actional pathways toward climate finance mobilization. Whether you are in or not, make sure to join the conversation!

🗓️ 7 September
🕝 14:00 – 15:00
📍Room XI, Palais des Nations
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cs1XfUEQ7c

20/08/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome back our former director Fr. Mike Deeb OP to our Geneva office this week. He met our current director, Fr. Aniedi Okure OP, and Blair Matheson TSSF, director of Franciscans International, for an exchange of ideas on ongoing advocacy priorities, collaboration within the Dominican and Franciscan families, and the evolving challenges our work for justice and peace is facing. Moments like these remind us of the importance of exchange and the shared commitment that strengthen our mission.