The United Nations is made up of 193 Member States and tackles a whole host of issues ranging from peace and security to climate change and food production. NGOs like CSW provide credible evidence and research in their particular field of expertise, which is vital to the UN’s work. CSW is privileged to hold Special Consultative Status, allowing us to speak more directly to the UN on issues relating to freedom of religion or belief. The main forum we engage with is the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

Sunday 1 September

In order to operate effectively at the UN, it is essential that CSW maintains good working relationships with UN staff, other NGOs, and members of country delegations, both in Geneva and New York. Pray that God would continue to bless and develop these relationships.

Monday 2 September

Pray today for Dr Ahmed Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. (Special Rapporteurs are experts appointed by the UN to examine and report back on a specific country or area of research.) Ask God to bless Dr Shaheed and his staff as they carry out research and report to the UN on freedom of religion or belief around the world.

Tuesday 3 September

A number of the countries we work on – Eritrea, Vietnam, Mexico, China and Nigeria– have recently had their Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The UPR is a peer- review process which assesses the human rights record of each member state every four and a half years. Pray that these countries would action the recommendations they’ve received, and take clear steps to protect religious freedom in their respective countries.

Wednesday 4 September

In March CSW participated in the 40th Session of the HRC in Geneva. During this time we spoke at nine dialogues and debates, met with a number of country representatives and hosted an event on religious freedom in North Korea. Today thank God for a successful HRC session and for the many opportunities that have come from our Special Consultative Status.

Thursday 5 September

Pray today for Ms Heyeona Ji, a North Korean Christian, who shared her powerful testimony at the UN and gave insight into the situation for Christians in her country. Thank God for Ms Ji’s tremendous courage, and pray that the UN officials who listened to her story would be moved to secure real change for North Koreans.

Friday 6 September

Today, pray for Claire Denman, CSW’s UN Officer, as she continues to build on the successes of previous HRC sessions, and prepares for CSW’s participation at future sessions and builds and maintains relationships with key advocacy targets. Pray in particular for favour, wisdom and energy.

Saturday 7 September

Lord God, we thank you for the incredible opportunities youhave given CSW at the UN. We ask you to continue to bless our work in this international body, so that we would be effective advocates for justice for people of all faiths around the world. Amen.