Terra Justa - International Meeting of Causes of Values of Humanity of Fafe

End

01 January 2019

Abstract

Protocol between the Science of Religions area and the Municipality of Fafe - "Terra Justa- International Meeting of Causes and Values of Humanity." Known as the Land of Justice, Fafe has hosted, since 2015, the 'Terra Justa - International Meeting of Causes and Values of Humanity', an international event that seeks to alert, provoke and involve people to reflect on the importance of the causes and values of humanity. For several days, the city hosts a wide range of conferences, coffee gatherings, street exhibitions, theater, debates and tributes organized by the University. There are several individuals and international organizations that have passed through Fafe and brought to the debate pertinent and current issues such as solidarity, violence, peace and human values. This NGO made up of civilians, has more than 3000 volunteers, men and women with all kinds of professions – former bakers, engineers, pharmacists, painters – who have come together to save lives, regardless of religion and political ideology.

Researchers

Paulo Mendes Pinto José Brissos-Lino Joaquim Franco Mariana Vital Alexandre Honrado

Associated Missions

Câmara Municipal de Fafe

Outputs

2015: In the first edition of Terra Justa, the International Meeting of Causes and Values of Humanity honored Maria de Jesus Barroso Soares for the work developed as founder of the Pro Dignitate Association, based on the prevention of violence and the promotion of human rights. Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga – at the time an advisor to Pope Francis – was also distinguished in Fafe, for the fight for human rights and the development of the poorest countries. In 2015, two organizations were honored: Amnesty International and Doctors of the World. The work of both was recognized as being fundamental in helping the most needy. Several guests passed through Fafe to reflect on the causes and values of humanity. We had the presence of Eugénio da Fonseca, D. Jorge Ortiga, Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Sampaio da Nóvoa, Mário Soares, Manuel Alegre, among many others. 2016: In the second year of Terra Justa, António Guterres – current UN Secretary General – was in Fafe to reflect on the theme of Refugees. The former Portuguese Prime Minister and former United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) addressed the issue of refugees, the origins and consequences of the humanitarian crisis for Europe and the world will be the central theme of the work. In the same edition, Terra Justa paid tribute to Agenzia Habeshia and the Calouste Goulbeinkian Foundation, bringing to debate matters related to human rights in conflict scenarios, the value of culture and issues of religion. In Fafe, Frei Mussie Zerai, President Agenzia Habeshia, Tareke Brhane, President of Comitato Tre Ottobre, Eugénio da Fonseca, President of Cáritas Portuguesa, Teresa Tito de Morais, President of the Portuguese Council for Refugees, Luís Braga da Cruz, President of the Serralves Foundation, passed through Fafe. 2017: Terra Justa 2017 marked the tributes to CERCIFAF, UNICEF, the Child Support Institute, the Talitha Kum Network and the Champalimaud Foundation. Children's Rights around the world deserved a reflection by dozens of guests who were in Fafe. With the Tribute to the Talitha Kum Network, the problem of human trafficking arose in debate. Guests such as Madalena Marçal Grilo, Leonor Beleza, Rodrigo Moita de Deus, Manuela Eanes, Labroinho Lúcio or Ana Jorge passed through Fafe. 2018: The White Helmets, Human Rights Watch and Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo were distinguished at the 2018 International Meeting on the Causes and Values of Humanity.The White Helmets, a non-governmental organization that supports civilians, are internationally known for being volunteers who seek to save lives in one of the most complex war scenarios today. Syria. This NGO made up of civilians, has more than 3000 volunteers, who provide medical aid and rescue people from the rubble. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011, they have saved thousands of people and lost more than 200 of their volunteers, killed while trying to save lives. HRW's work was distinguished, as it investigates human rights violations in detail, denounces the cases they document, and seeks effective policies from governments and the United Nations that promote human rights and justice. Posthumously, Terra Justa 2018 ended with a tribute to Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo, which had the support of the Caring for the Future Foundation and the presence of people close to the one who was the only prime minister of Portugal. Coffee conversations with the participation of those who knew well one of the great names of our democracy, placement of a text on the mural to perpetuate the message of the former ruler and finally a posthumous tribute, at night, at the Teatro Cinema de Fafe marked this day. 2019: The fifth edition of Terra Justa brought to debate three major themes: health, work and freedom. This year, the Municipality of Fafe paid tribute to the International Labour Organization, with the presence of Helena André, Executive Director of the ILO in Brussels, Arménio Carlos, Secretary General of the CGTP, Carlos Silva, from the UGT, Francisco Calheiros – President of the CTP, José Hernâni Cosra, Director of the CCP, among many others. In the year in which it completes its centenary, the ILO was distinguished for the role that this international agency has played in promoting work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. The Vincentian Work of Support to Prisoners was also highlighted in this International Meeting, bringing to the public unknown and fracturing realities about the system, making known the problem of prisons and prisoners. Neste dia, passaram por Fafe, o Presidente da OVAR, Manuel Almeida dos Santos, o jornalista Hernâni Carvalho, Jorge Antunes, ex dirigente da APAR, Belmiro Sousa, empresário, Rui Albuquerque, sub diretor da Faculdade de Direito e Ciência Política da Universidade do Porto, o Padre João Gonçalves, que recebeu, também, o Prémio ‘Gente de Paz e de Justiça’, pelas mãos de Frei Fernando Ventura, Embaixador Terra Justa. No último dia de Terra Justa, o Serviço Nacional de Saúde foi o mote da reflexão, com as homenagens a Francisco George (Anterior Diretor Geral de Saúde) e, a título póstumo, António Arnaut, considerado o ‘Pai’ do Serviço Nacional de Saúde.

References

http://religioesdomundo.ulusofona.pt/projectos-rec-xxi/5-terra-justa-fafe/