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Developing Just, Sustainable Societies


Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Ambassador
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000, the largest gathering of world leaders in history adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and setting out a series of time-bound targets, with a deadline of 2015, that have become known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Read more about the Millennium Development Goals

Read the text of the Millennium Declaration

Human Rights Defenders Tulip Awards
“Anyone who keeps up with the news knows that respect for human rights is not something that can be taken for granted. All around the world, people fall victim to extreme violence, cannot freely develop their potential or live in degrading conditions. Although states all over the world are party to a wide range of human rights instruments, those rights often still have to be fought for.
And that is what human rights defenders do. They are often exposed to danger and meet with a great deal of opposition. Defending human rights takes considerable courage. To emphasise the importance of the work of human rights defenders and to provide moral support to one of them each year, the Dutch government has established the Human Rights Defenders Tulip.

A special focus on human rights defenders is part of a new strategy formulated by the Dutch government in its policy document ‘Human dignity for all’, published in November 2007.”

Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp is a member of the jury who selects the Human Rights Defender who will be honored with the award each year. Read more...

10 December, 2008: On the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Justine Masika Bihama was awarded the Human Rights Defenders Tulip. For more information about the Ms. Bihama and the award read more...

Club of Budapest
Founded in 1993, the global Club of Budapest is an informal international association dedicated to developing a new way of thinking and a new ethics that will help resolve the social, political, economic, and ecological challenges of the 21st century. With its roster of internationally renowned members the Club initiates a dialogue between different belief systems and world views in order to co-create and develop effective strategies for responsible and sustainable action with a global focus.
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Rabbis for Human Rights
Rabbis for Human Rights' mandate is twofold. Alongside efforts to prevent human rights abuses, Rabbis for Human Rights endeavors to introduce an authentic and humanistic understanding of Jewish tradition and sources into Israel’s public discourse. … Rabbis for Human Rights gives voice to the tradition’s concern for the stranger and others vulnerable within society.
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Purpose:
To call to the attention of the world, it leaders, opinion makers and people, trends and events which have the potential to, or are already, threatening the lives, rights and/or well-being of members of the earth community and urge them to immediately address the situation, preventing continuation, escalation or even from beginning.

Goals:

1. Call to the attention of the world “hidden conflicts/ abuses” which escape the attention of the media and public awareness.
2. Encourage people to take action in a positive and constructive manner to prevent or halt situations of abuse of rights and/ or threats to life and well-being.
3. Highlight trends in social and legal frameworks that are potentially harmful to societies, their members and particularly the most vulnerable.
4. To mediate where possible and facilitate solutions or means of addressing problems, in a manner that enables all involved to realize their rights fully.
5. To facilitate the work of communities and countries in bring people together as a force for good to address these situations and thereby engaging in the tikkun olam,  helping to repair and improve our world.

Read more about the program...