Latest news with #Reconciliation
The Guardian
21 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Australia's reckoning with Indigenous people takes one cultural glide forward, two political steps back
For several decades First Nations artists have done much of the heavy lifting in Australian cultural diplomacy. And now Wesley Enoch as chair of Creative Australia has to fix a damaged sector. Archie Moore, Tracey Moffatt, Warwick Thornton, Deborah Mailman, William Barton, Tony Albert, Judy Watson, David Gulpilil, Christian Thompson, Ivan Sen, Emily Kam Kngwarray, to name just some of the many who have won accolades for their stunning, original work and taken their place at the peaks of cultural power and influence. Winning hearts and changing minds as they went. Not so long ago this suggested a long overdue reckoning with the First Peoples; a reckoning that the rest of the world was watching in the detached way that those who can be bothered note what is happening elsewhere. Australia is diffident about cultural diplomacy, reluctant to exercise its soft power (in anything other than sport), as the abandonment of ABC Asia Pacific TV demonstrated – although the ABC has since revamped its international service. The global celebration of First Nations artists was a powerful way of showing that modern Australia had thrown off its colonial legacy, had grown into a truly mature and reconciled nation and come to terms with the ancient human heritage that makes it truly unique. Creative Australia put First Nations stories first in its strategic priorities, Dfat's cultural grants emphasised the persuasive power of 65,000 years of unique civilisation, and Australia lobbied hard for Unesco recognition of cultural heritage at Gunditjmara and now Murujuga. Yet as we approach the second anniversary of the decision by most Australians to reject meaningful recognition of First Peoples, the tension at the heart of this international celebration of the talent, stories and unique ways of seeing, being and doing comes clearly into focus. Is it simple hypocrisy or the old Australian way – one glide forward, two quick steps back? There are markers. The silence about discussing the referendum or to even consider national truth-telling. The ratty politics rejecting welcomes to country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. The patchy reporting of the coronial findings of institutional racism in the NT Police and the Yoorrook inquiry's findings of historic genocide. The federal court's hand-wringing decision that accepted government policies caused wilful destruction of culture and environment in the Torres Strait Islands but that it was unable to do anything about it. These recent events suggest that coming to terms with the enduring impact of the past is at best the latter, two quick steps back. At worst, to me, it suggests further signs of what Jeremy Bentham once called an 'incurable flaw'. All this came to mind as I stood outside Tate Modern waiting in line under an unusually hot summer sun for my bag to be checked. My English friend and I were on our way to the third floor of the vast former turbine to see the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition. 'Why is it on now?' he asked. He knows Australia, has spent time in central Australia and understood how the voice referendum hung heavily there. It's a reasonable question. And there are many answers. Some practical, others freighted with meaning. The director of the Tate told the press it was part of her plan to celebrate older female artists who should be considered great masters (mistresses?). The art press buzzed that this was one of three major exhibitions of Indigenous artists in London this summer – the others from Canada and Peru. Indigeneity is 'a thing'. The collaboration to celebrate the 'old lady's' work between the Tate, National Gallery of Australia and the women of Alhalker country began not long after the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, declared there would be a referendum to secure meaningful recognition of First Peoples in the Australian constitution. These big retrospective shows are years in the making, especially ones that require the active involvement of local communities as well as major galleries and high-profile owners around the world. When the extraordinary show first opened in Canberra just months after the vote, there was sadness about what might have been, about how the exhibition might have celebrated a new beginning. In London two years later, this is a barely acknowledged backdrop. Those seeing her work for the first time grapple with what it represents, how someone who only started painting in her 70s produced work as fresh and innovative as any major 20th-century artist – but how it grew out of her knowledge, skill and dreaming. Like all great artists the work is truly hers, grounded in her unique perspective. What comes as a surprise, to those who have only seen her images in books and posters, is their three-dimensional quality. Kngwarray layered paint to evoke stories of such extraordinary depth that they carry a fourth dimension of infinite time, 'everywhen'. It invites the viewer into a unique way of seeing and being. Another Australian artist is also celebrated on level 3 of the Tate. Leigh Bowery, who in his short life became a London gay style icon. Both Emily and Leigh speak to a distinctive Australian sensibility and energy. They prove that from an unlikely starting point anything is possible. Answering my friend's question, I said I wished the curators had projected The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, where flamboyant gay culture meets the outback, on the wall between the two iconoclastic Australians, to help viewers literally join the dots between the two exhibitions. Culture is complicated, cultural diplomacy can take time, but culture might still lead politics. Julianne Schultz an emeritus professor at Griffith University and the author of The Idea of Australia
Zawya
a day ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Welcomes the 19 April Peace Agreement in the Central African Republic and the Dissolution of the Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R) Armed Groups
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomes the signing of the Peace Agreement concluded on 19 April 2025 in N'Djamena between the Government of the Central African Republic and the armed groups Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R), as part of efforts to revitalize the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-RCA). The Chairperson further welcomes the formal announcement of the dissolution of the UPC and 3R, made on 10 July 2025 in Bangui by the respective leaders of the two groups. He calls on all remaining armed groups in the Central African Republic to lay down their arms and to commit in good faith to inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation in the supreme interest of the Central African people. The Chairperson pays tribute to the distinguished role played by H.E. General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, whose direct facilitation of the agreement stands as a compelling illustration of the principle of 'African solutions to African problems.' He reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the African Union to support the Central African authorities and all stakeholders in the full and inclusive implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, with a view to consolidating stability, strengthening national cohesion, and advancing the country's sustainable development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) Announces 20th Plenary Assembly in Rwanda
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( is pleased to announce its 20th Plenary Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 4 August 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.' This Assembly, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, offers a moment of deep ecclesial grace to evaluate the life and mission of the Church in Africa and to set forth a visionary roadmap for the next 25 years (2025–2050). A Continental Ecclesial Milestone The Plenary Assembly of SECAM is the most important gathering of the Catholic Church in Africa and its Islands. Held every three years, it brings together a significant number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the continent and beyond. This 20th edition is expected to host approximately 250 participants from all 54 African countries and its islands, along with invited dignitaries and Church partners from other continents, making it a truly continental and global ecclesial event. It will serve as a privileged moment of reflection, communion, and decision-making for the life and mission of the Church in Africa. The Assembly will be presided over by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM. Building on the mandate of the 19th Plenary Assembly in Accra (July 2022), the Kigali Assembly will evaluate progress in strengthening synodality, institutional autonomy, theological foundations, and regional collaboration across the Church in Africa. Advancing a Shared Vision Since 2022, SECAM has worked through its Standing Committee and Secretariat to promote greater communion and mission through: Advancing synodality and participation at all levels; Strengthening institutional and financial self-reliance; Enhancing theological reflection and pastoral care; Fostering intercontinental and ecumenical partnerships; Raising Africa's voice on global issues such as climate change, justice, and peace. Addressing Pastoral and Cultural Realities One major issue under review will be the pastoral accompaniment of Catholics in polygamous unions, a complex cultural reality in African societies and beyond. SECAM has engaged theologians across the continent to explore this topic theologically and pastorally. The Assembly will also feature key presentations, including: A theological reflection on the theme: 'Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace' A draft document entitled: 'The Vision of the Church–Family of God in Africa and its Islands: 2025–2050' A pastoral document on 'Accompaniment of Persons in Polygamous Situations' These will be complemented by plenary discussions, working groups, liturgical celebrations, departmental reports, and a concluding message to the Church and society. The Twelve Pillars of the Church's Future Earlier this year, in preparation for the Assembly, SECAM held a high-level seminar in Accra (April 2025) to develop a long-term vision for the African Church. Discussions centered around twelve key pillars: Evangelization (Catholic education and theological formation) A self-reliant Church; Family-based models of leadership; Missionary discipleship and synodality; Care for creation; Youth engagement and ecclesial renewal; Justice, peace, and integral human development; Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue; Digital evangelization; Health and well-being of God's people; Liturgical life in African contexts; Church and political engagement. This strategic vision document will be presented for discussion and possible adoption by the bishops at the Kigali Assembly. Engaging Africa's Socio-Political Challenges In keeping with its prophetic mission, SECAM will also assess current political and social dynamics across the regions of Africa, with a focus on: Governance and public leadership; Human rights and social justice; Poverty and debt; Climate and environmental stewardship; Dialogue, peacebuilding, and interreligious relations; Safeguarding and youth protection. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Júnior Secretary General, SECAM Accra, Ghana About SECAM: Founded in 1969 during Pope St. Paul VI's historic visit to Africa, SECAM is the continental structure of the Catholic Church in Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to foster communion, promote evangelization, and be the moral and spiritual voice of the Church across the continent. Its key departments include: Commission for Evangelization; Justice, Peace and Development Commission (JPDC); Department of Social Communication. In addition, SECAM operates a Liaison Office to the African Union based in Addis Ababa to ensure Church participation in continental policymaking and advocacy. SECAM is composed of eight regional episcopal bodies:
France 24
09-07-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Aboriginal-led inquiry finds genocide committed against Indigenous Australians
08:38 From the show As Indigenous Australians mark NAIDOC Week – a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – the country is grappling with the findings of a landmark Aboriginal-led inquiry. The commission found that First Peoples in the state of Victoria suffered genocide and crimes against humanity from the beginning of British colonisation. "Between the 1830s and 1851, it is estimated that the Indigenous population of Victoria was reduced from 60,000 to 15,000," historian Romain Fathi told FRANCE 24 in Perspective. The report also stresses that Aboriginal Australians continue to face systemic injustice. "Today, incarceration rates of Indigenous Australians are not the same, life expectancy is not the same; these are not problems that have gone away," Fathi added. With 100 recommendations laid out to "redress harm", the commission demonstrates there is a long way to go in Australia 's fraught road to reconciliation.
Euronews
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Spain's king Juan Carlos to publish 'uncompromising' autobiography
Spain's former king Juan Carlos I is to launch a book of memoirs entitled "Reconciliation", written in the first person, which will hit bookshops later this year. The work, according to a statement from the publishing house Planeta, will focus on "the private part of a public life" and promises to offer an in-depth view of his personal history and his role in the transformation of Spain. In the announcement, the emeritus monarch explains the reasons behind his decision to write the book, despite his father's advice not to do so: "My father always advised me not to write my memoirs. Kings don't confess. Especially not publicly. Why am I disobeying him today? Why have I changed my mind? Because I feel that my history is being stolen from me. A historical project from exile Planeta describes the release as "a historic event". According to the publisher, the idea originated during his exile in Abu Dhabi, in a context in which "part of the published opinion" and "his own mistakes" have contributed to "overshadow his career and his fundamental contributions to the success of Spanish democracy". The book, they say, will be full of anecdotes and significant episodes from both Spain's recent history and his personal life. It will portray a young Juan Carlos facing the challenges of a country divided by a Civil War and anchored in a destiny he had not chosen, until he became a key figure in the transition to democracy. The publisher promises a memoir "written with an open heart and without concessions". The work moves between the two exiles that marked his life: the forced exile in Estoril during his youth and the voluntary exile in Abu Dhabi in his old age. In the words of King Juan Carlos I himself, the book contains a final confession, which reflects his current position: "I have no right to cry".
