VATICAN - Caritas Internationalis 18th general assembly opens on June 3

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Some 385 Caritas delegates from all over the world will be in Rome to attend the 18th general assembly of Caritas Internationalis, in the Vatican from 3-9 June to discuss the present situation in the world and identify the main challenges facing Caritas. The general meetings to discuss problems with regard to humanitarian aid and development projects are held every four years.
This year, since the general assembly coincides with the G8 Summit in Germany, “Caritas will take the opportunity to draw attention to the fact that rich countries have failed to keep their promise to increase and improve the flow of aid to poor countries” according to an information note on the meeting.
Speakers will include Nobel peace prize winner Wangari Maathai, Cardinal Renato Martino president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and Denis Viénot and Duncan MacLaren respectively Caritas Internationalis president and secretary general.
Planned public initiatives include a peaceful demonstration “against poverty”, with a 'Make Aid Work' parade in front of St Peter's to remind rich countries of commitments to poor countries and at the same time to call third world political leaders to guarantee transparency.
The Caritas Internationalis confederation of 162 organisations operates in 200 countries. Last year Caritas responded to 30 emergencies and is involved this year in providing assistance in 13 humanitarian emergency situations in various regions such as Democratic Congo, Lebanon, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Kenya. The Confederation also supports projects for development, for AIDS prevention, and promotes programmes of healthcare, education, water supplies, training in farming methods, professional training. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/5/2007 righe 28 parole 282)