wfn.org | LWI 2008-037 Human Rights Cooperation Affirmed at LWF Meeting with Norwegian Ambassador

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Human Rights Cooperation Affirmed at LWF Meeting with Norwegian
Ambassador
Need Identified for Further Collaboration on Climate Change
Issues 

GENEVA, 20 June 2008 (LWI) – During a visit to the Lutheran
World Federation (LWF) secretariat in Geneva, a Norwegian
government representative affirmed ongoing cooperation between
her country and the LWF, and expressed the hope for further
collaboration especially in the area of human rights.

"I am pleased to hear that we are active in the same areas and
will work together for human rights," said Ambassador Bente
Angell-Hansen, representative of the Permanent Mission of Norway
to the United Nations Office and other International
Organizations in Geneva on the occasion of her first official
visit with LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko and other
staff members on 27 May. 

Implementing human rights for all people is a central aim of the
UN and of the Norwegian government, said Ambassador
Angell-Hansen. Overcoming violence was a major area of concern,
she noted, saying she anticipated closer cooperation with the LWF
Office for International Affairs and Human Rights in this area.

"Advocating human rights for all is also a key mandate for the
LWF," stressed Noko. He spoke of the need for further work
together on the issue of decent working conditions and climate
change. 

Discussions featured on the various levels of cooperation
between the two partners. In 2007 the Norwegian government gave
financial support to the Shiketti Integrated Community
Development Project (SICDP), an initiative of the LWF Department
for World Service (DWS) country program in Eritrea. The SICDP
partnership included the installation of 400 energy-saving stoves
in private homes and dam reconstruction to secure water supply to
community members. 

Norway also gives financial assistance to the LWF-run Augusta
Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem. The
hospital is part of the DWS Jerusalem regional program, providing
more than 50 years of service to Palestinians in Jerusalem and
the West Bank. 

In 2007, Norway's Foreign Office supported the Inter-Faith
Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA), an initiative launched in
October 2002 by General Secretary Noko, to promote solidarity and
religious coexistence in Africa. IFAPA embodies participation on
an equal basis of Africa's major faith communities in initiatives
focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and
peace building. (379 words)

>*       *       *

(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the
Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF
currently has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the
world, with a total membership of over 68.3 million. The LWF acts
on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such
as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian
assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects
of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in
Geneva, Switzerland.)

[Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the LWF’s information
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