CAFOD chairman visits JRS amputees in Cambodia
Red, a former military man, lost his legs in 1982. The cause? A land mine – one of many the Khmer Rouge scattered in various parts of Cambodia during its rule.
At 53, Red now works with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), counselling families who have also been affected by these explosives. On November 4, he took Bishop-elect of Salford and Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster, John Arnold, to a militarised zone at the Thai border to visit three of these families.
Sister Denise reflects on her 20+ years working in Cambodia and how she is motivated by her faith and a sense of justice. She highlights the challenges facing people with disabilities, of post-conflict reconciliation, and rebuilding trust. She also discusses the legacy of the Khmer Rouge in relation to families and society in Cambodia today. Faith-inspired organizations are an important link between the policy and community levels. Sister Denise stresses that faith-inspired organizations must be experts in their field; faith alone is not always sufficient to make lasting contributions. Finally, she describes her international work on landmines and cluster bombs, which won her team a Nobel Peace prize. 
16th February 2010 was another mile-stone to celebrate achievement. It is indeed good news of great joy! Sr Denise, Country Director of JRS Cambodia excitedly exclaimed, “Today (16th February 2010) we got the 30 ratifications on the cluster munitions treaty!” This means the treaty will enter into force on 1st August 2010 as a binding international law. “Today we are letting off 104 balloons at Siem Reap, Battambang, Banteay Prieb, and Phnom Penh. 104 is the number of signatories,” continued Sr Denise.