Elections in East Timor © Irene Slegt/Progressio

Latest news on development issues and from Progressio's projects around the world:

Environmental Challenges Ahead, Terminator Ban Remains (4 Jul 2008 )
A 'worrying' range of potential threats to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and the livelihoods of the world’s poorest communities emerged at the recent meeting of signatories to UN’s Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), Progressio said in a briefing to MPs this week.

Progressio tells UN: 'We need a new vision of development' (3 Jul 2008 )
The world’s most critical environmental and social problems will only be solved by 'a new vision of development', declared Progressio’s Head of Advocacy Joanne Green at a summit meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York this week.

Zimbabwe: Church Figures Speak Out (30 Jun 2008 )

Senior church figures have spoken out against Robert Mugabe's re-election and urged the international community to do more to help the people of Zimbabwe in the aftermath of last Friday's vote.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, speaking on the BBC's flagship political programme The Andrew Marr Show, said he thought there was a "very good argument" for an international force to restore peace in Zimbabwe, providing action is carried out under the auspices of the United Nations.

Progressio boosts communications (27 Jun 2008 )
Catholic advocacy and development charity Progressio has boosted its communications team with the appointment of a Communications Manager, a Media Officer and a Campaigns Officer.

Zimbabwe: Ecumenical networks call for international intervention (26 Jun 2008 )
International intervention is essential to protect the people of Zimbabwe as hopes for a legitimate election fade, ecumenical networks said this week. In a joint statement, CIDSE, APRODEV and the Ecumenical Zimbabwe network – which comprise over 53 faith-based, development and humanitarian organisations – called on the international community to act 'immediately to ensure ballots are not replaced by bullets'.

Zimbabwe: British Church leaders in joint call to SADC (20 Jun 2008 )
The Rt Revd Crispian Hollis, Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth is among 12 British church leaders calling on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to "redouble" its efforts to ensure fair elections in Zimbabwe.

Progressio welcomes Zambian Bishops' statement on Zimbabwe situation (19 Jun 2008 )
Zambian Catholic bishops have urged leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take “much stronger action” to quell the escalating unrest in Zimbabwe as the country edges closer to an election re-run later this month.

Progressio condemns targeting of church organisation in Zimbabwe Raid (13 Jun 2008 )
Staff at the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA), were this week arrested following a raid on their offices in Harare by Zimbabwe police.

Growing Tension in Zimbabwe as full election results still not declared (8 Apr 2008 )
International development agencies, Progressio, Tearfund, Trócaire, the Foundation for Development and Partnership in Africa (FEPA), and Christian Aid warn that Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly tense as election results continue to hang in the balance.

Immediate Action Needed on Zimbabwe as Controversial Election Results Emerge (1 Apr 2008 )
International development agencies, Progressio, Tearfund, Trócaire and FEPA are calling for immediate action to stop what appears to impartial observers as government-led election rigging of Zimbabwe's March 29th polls.