Join in Global Efforts to End Poverty

[ePrayer – Pray for global efforts to end poverty]

POVERTY-CHILDREN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The theme of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty for 17 October 2013 is ‘working together towards a world without discrimination: Building on the experience and knowledge of people in extreme poverty’ The progress in reducing poverty world-wide has been uneven. Although some regions experience poverty reductions, in many countries poverty has been on the rise, especially among women and children. After the first UN Decade for Poverty Eradication (1997-2006), the second UN Decade (2008-2017) sets ‘Full employment and decent work for all’ as the theme for the Decade. Its particular focus is given to employment and decent work, including youth employment, the working poor, social protection in particular to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the light of the current global crises, support for sustainable enterprises, gender equality, standards and rights at work, and social dialogue. [UN News]

CEDAR is calling churches and Christians to join EXPOSED during the week of 14 to 20 October, making appeals to the church, business and governments to operate with integrity and advocate an end to corruption which is a huge barrier to ending extreme world poverty. Please click here  for more details.

Pray for global efforts to end poverty:

  • Remember the needs and situations of the poor especially those vulnerable and disadvantaged groups including women and children ;
  • Pray for good progress made in implementing internationally agreed development goals ;
  • Pray also for churches and Christians worldwide to care for the poor together.

Law in Bangladesh Revised Ratifying Workers’ Rights

[ePrayer – Pray for workers in Bangladesh]

GENDER EQUALITY-EMPLOYMENT IN ASIA

Bangladesh on 15 July amended its 2006 Labour Act, to include freedoms of association and collective bargaining. Hoping it a milestone in promoting workers’ rights and occupational safety and health. The new law also contain provisions for improved safety measures at workplaces. Requirements in sending employers the names of union leaders on registration are abolished. Workers may call on external experts assistance at collective bargaining sessions. However, ILO said the revised laws still fail to address a number of concerns: a 30 per cent requirement in forming trade unions; and freedom of association and collective bargaining are excluded to workers in labour-intensive export processing zones. It also fails to prohibit discriminations in employment or remuneration, debt bondage by children or punishment in form of compulsory labour. [UN News, ILO]

Pray for workers in Bangladesh:

  • Pray that the Bangladesh government will continue law reforms for more comprehensive workers’ protection, in fulfilling its obligations under ratified conventions;
  • Remember the workers in getting their rights, safety and health.