ERD heads to Geneva

In March, Programme Manager Naidi McDonnell and Admin and Project Support Officer Fionn Casey headed to Geneva to visit Edmund Rice International (ERI). The trip began with a visit to ERI’s office. The office, close to the Palais Des Nations, is shared with several other faith-based organisations, and it is inspiring to see the collaboration that takes place. Often, ERI will make a submission to the Human Rights Council on behalf of another organisation and vice versa. This collaborative approach maximises the impact of each organisation’s advocacy and strengthens relationships across networks.

The trip coincided with the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. As in every session, ERI collaborated with several ERD partner projects and other members of the Edmund Rice network to make joint submissions. Naidi and Fionn attended the Council for three days alongside Br. Tino D’Abreu from ERI, where they had the opportunity to deliver statements themselves. Naidi spoke on the right to housing, while both Naidi and Fionn each delivered statements on the equal participation of persons with disabilities in political life. It was a nerve-wracking yet thrilling experience that offered valuable insight into international advocacy in action!

‘Overall, the visit to Geneva was an enriching experience that deepened our understanding of international advocacy and the human rights mechanisms that underpin ERI’s work. It highlighted the power of collaboration within the Edmund Rice network and reaffirmed our shared commitment to justice, equality and the protection of human dignity. We returned inspired by the dedication of our colleagues at ERI and motivated to strengthen the link between our projects on the ground and the global advocacy taking place in Geneva.’ - Fionn Casey, ERD team