The inside track: Public affairs

I hope you all enjoyed a blessed Easter with your loved ones. Im so pleased to have this opportunity to introduce myself to you as CSWs new Public Affairs Team Leader.

I joined CSW in January from the Finnish League for Human Rights in Helsinki. I’ve followed CSW’s work since I first got to know the organisation in 2009 and now I am thrilled to be working with such a wonderful organisation.

I’ve had an exciting few months since I started, returning recently from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. I was privileged to be able to meet representatives from many UN member countries and talk to them about our concerns and recommendations for tackling voices of religious hatred in many of the countries we work in. We’ve been working with the UN in Geneva for several years, and it was easy to start talking to different people, as many knew something about our work already.

I feel that we’re on the verge of God doing amazing and exciting things through and with CSW. I’m really looking forward to strengthening CSW’s public profile as an expert on freedom of religion or belief. I believe in working in partnership with others and I’ve already had the chance to meet and speak with other human rights organisations. I can’t wait to get working with them to raise the religious freedom concerns across the world!

One of the things I already love about working for CSW is the fact that the staff meet together every morning to pray. Coming from a background working in secular organisations, it’s a breath of fresh air for me to be able to pray with and for my colleagues and our work.

I’d really appreciate your prayers for me and my team in the coming months!

Blessings,

Sini Maria Public Affairs Team Leader