Franciscans International

Accueil
Schweiz
Geneva
Franciscans International

Appeler Itinéraire Site Web Contacter l’organisation

Franciscans International (FI) is an international advocacy NGO working with the United Nations to promote human rights and environmental justice

17/10/2026

Like many in his day, Francis of Assisi grew up with a deep sense of horror toward those suffering from leprosy. These men and women were shunned, forced – quite literally – to the margins of society. Deeply shaken by his experience as a soldier and prisoner, he met a l***r on the road around 1206. Overcoming the revulsion instilled in him, Francis dismounted and embraced the man.

This proved to be a transformative moment. It freed Francis from his fear and hesitations. In the years that followed, he abandoned his wealth, lived among the l***rs, cared for the sick, and in doing so, laid the foundations of the Franciscan order.

However, Francis’ embrace of poverty stands in stark contrast to the difficulties highlighted today on the International Day for the Eradication of Extreme Poverty. His was a conscious choice in emulation of Christ. The deprivation suffered by many today is something that many Franciscan sisters and brothers – themselves sworn to a life of simplicity and poverty – have dedicated their lives to remedy.

The reason is the same that led Francis to embrace a l***r outside the walls of Assisi: a recognition of the inherent dignity of all human beings. Today, this understanding continues to be a foundation of the work of Franciscans at the United Nations. Indeed, it underpins the Universal Declaration on Human Rights itself.

In a time where inequality is on the rise and walls are drawn up across the world, Franciscans walk with those that are excluded and marginalized. At the UN, we oppose the many different persistent forms of discrimination, extreme poverty, and all those who seek to deny this fundamental dignity of all.

16/10/2026

That’s it for ! The work to continues, but as we wrap up the week, here are some first take-aways from the session:

✊🏽 A broad range of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and other affected communities is actively taking part in the negotiations and shaping the process. Their interventions carry the urgent need felt at the grassroots to take real and meaningful action to .

🔎 Key articles of the continue to be a point of contention, dividing States that favor a narrow text from those that support broad and progressive language.

📖 We’re looking forward to the fourth draft of the Treaty, tentatively set to be published in February 2027 and will critically examine how the Chair seeks to resolve some of these issues.

15/10/2026

On day 4 of , the debate on the scope of the continues. Meanwhile, with a fourth draft expected next year, delegates turn their attention to the way forward.

15/10/2026

In the twelve years that UN Member States have been negotiating a new treaty on transnational corporations, the need to has only grown more pressing. Today, will turn its attention to the way forward for the .

Or message is clear: as we near a final draft, there can be no excuse to weaken the Treaty or exclude grassroots voices from the process.

14/10/2026

As the Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice have all stated, a is essential for the enjoyment of all other human rights.

Considering the profound impact that transnational corporations have on nature and climate, it is essential that a new recognizes this as well. As dives into to the definitions of a to , we’re calling for an explicit reference of the Right to a Healthy Environment.

14/10/2026

On day 3 of the , the focus is on definitions. Once question matters a great deal: what counts as a “business activity” under the new .

Having witnessed firsthand the destruction that mining operations inflict on communities in Guatemala and the Solomon Islands, extractive industries are a particular concern for Franciscans.

This issue is only getting more urgent. As the world talks about moving away from fossil fuels, soaring demand for critical minerals is driving what Indigenous Communities call a new “green” colonialism: poor communities pay the price for the energy transition of wealthy countries. Even more worrying, these critical minerals are increasingly being diverted to weapons and AI infrastructure.

If the new UN Treaty is truly to protect people and the planet, mining activities must be explicitly included!

13/10/2026

The role and complicity of transnational corporations in violent conflicts around the world can’t be ignored during . Check out our daily update to see what issues we’re covering on day two of the negotiations for a to

13/10/2026

Large corporations don’t just operate in areas of conflict. In many cases, their activities enable, exacerbate or even cause violence. Today, as negotiations for a new UN Treaty on business and human rights continue at , we are calling for language that acknowledges the specific links between conflict, land, and human rights abuses.

12/10/2026

The program of work has been adopted and the opening statements are being read at

Budi Tjahjono, our International Advocacy Director, explains what's at stake this week in

12/10/2026

This week, UN Member states will gather in Geneva for the “open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights.”

Behind this formal names hides a simple goal: drafting a new UN Treaty that holds transnational corporations accountable for human rights abuses.

In Brazil, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mozambique, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Uganda, Franciscans work closely with communities facing corporate impunity. Here, people have lost their lands. Water and food sources are contaminated. Conflicts are fueled in the name of development and profit.

Their experiences will inform our advocacy this week.

Too often, their economic power lets companies evade justice or hide between jursdictions. Where national courts fail, a UN Treaty can be a vital tool for victims seeking justice, and strict new rules can prevent future violations.

This process hasn’t been easy. Corporate interests and aligned States continue to try to frustrate and derail the negotiations. The reality is that multinationals are now among the leading threats to human rights, the environment, and the climate. We can’t be deterred.

Together with numerous civil society networks around the world, we demand a strong that puts people and the planet over profits!

Adresse

37-39 Rue De Vermont
Geneva

Téléphone

+41227794010

Site Web

http://www.franciscansinternational.org/

Notifications

Soyez le premier à savoir et laissez-nous vous envoyer un courriel lorsque Franciscans International publie des nouvelles et des promotions. Votre adresse e-mail ne sera pas utilisée à d'autres fins, et vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment.