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CCI Newsletter - March 2026
Dear sir, madam,
Päivi Räsänen
On March 26, we were shocked by the ruling of the Supreme Court of Finland regarding the charges against Päivi Räsänen. Many share our concern about the future of freedom of speech. The (personal) expressions of sympathy are heartwarming. In a press release, Päivi wrote the following: “I am grateful to God and to everyone who has supported me…. I have considered it a privilege and an honor to defend freedom of speech and religion, an essential right in a democratic state. I intend to continue doing so.”
UN New York
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to our highly valued colleague Peter Smith. He played a significant role in securing CCI’s access to the UN. Thanks to this access, various statements were issued, the UN Fellowship in New York was able to take place, and a parallel conference was organized at the Commission on the Status of Women.
North America
We welcomed two new board members for CCI Canada: Marc Slingerland from Alberta and Jacco Schep from Ontario. Earlier this year, we visited people of our support base in Iowa, Ottawa, and Ontario. Our board member John Van Der Brink from the U.S. wrote a clear piece on American policy: “Policy, not people.” It underscores the vision I tried to articulate in an interview with the AD (a Dutch national daily).
Africa
In Africa, there appears to be a growing awareness that the West seeks to impose its radical agenda regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Our staff member Sylvia writes about this. We also participated in a webinar on the Pandemic Treaty.
UN Geneva and EU
Thanks to the skillful efforts of our colleague Wilmer, we were given at least eight opportunities to make statements at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. We handed in eight feedback submissions to the European Commission.
Thank you for your support
We would like to sincerely thank you for making our work possible (financially). We urge you to continue supporting us. Standing up for life, family, and freedoms is desperately needed, as you can read in this newsletter.
We wish you a Blessed Easter!
On behalf of the CCI team,
Henk Jan van Schothorst
Director Christian Council International
Image CCI: Henk Jan van Schothorst presents the messages of encouragement from the CCI supporters at the Supreme Court hearing in Finland, October 30, 2025
SOGI rejected, Creation Order strengthened in historic UN vote
Canada and the Netherlands actively opposed, the US in favor
New York – December 20, 2025 – United Nations
By Henk Jan van Schothorst and Wilmer Hak
Rarely fights are more intense in the arenas of international organizations than when God’s order of creation and the overconfident, self-determining human being come face to face. That was also the case this week.
On Monday, December 15, the United Nations General Assembly in New York voted on the biennial resolution on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A resolution is a non-binding mandate for countries. However, the terms used in it quietly become part of international customary law. The first version of the text was drafted by the progressive countries Mexico and New Zealand. In their draft, they stated that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity can affect the access of people with disabilities to their rights. It was one of the most chaotic votes of the year, but also one in which God showed that He reigns supreme. We are grateful to have been able to play a role in this dynamic environment with Christian Council International (CCI).
In memoriam Peter Smit January 21, 1950 – December 21, 2025
We had to say goodbye to our UN representative, Peter Smith. Henk Jan attended his funeral and said the following:
“A dignified farewell to our CCI employee at the UN in New York, Peter Cameron Smith. I was able to be present at the memorial service in his hometown Prestwick, Scotland. His knowledge and experience, as well as his dedication and faith were invaluable for our organization. In our last 20 minutes call less than two months ago, he said that he was prepared to meet his Maker. Learned that this certainty is of comfort for his wife and family. We've wished them the gracious presence of our Lord and Savior in their hearts and much strength in the coming time”. Read more in the PDF newsletter and find Peters report on how CCI got its accreditation at the UN on our website.
Conference on the State of Women And Family #CSWF – March 12, 2026
Opposite to United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, CCI was part of parallel Conference on the State of Women And Family #CSWF with event title: Justice and Equality begin in the Womb - Every Life Deserves a chance, co-sposored by the Republic of Burundi, Family Watch International and CCBR Canada.
We heard the ambassador of Burundi and the daughter of the president of Burundi speaking. Jonathon van van Maren from Canada addressed sexual colonialism in relation to abortion. Former UN Diplomat Janet Zeenat Karim addressed the push for abortion rights in Africa. Laurentine van Landeghem explained from a personal note how abortion as a solution is a lie. The meeting was opened by Henk Jan van Schothorst and closed with a passionate appeal by Sharon Slater.
Update on ‘Children should be allowed to be Children’
By Sylvia Mesesi
Why the EAC SRHR Bill Was Not Tabled in EALA
When the East African Legislative Assembly convened for its most recent sitting in Kampala, Uganda, from November 23 to December 5, 2025, the East African Community Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill was notably absent from the Assembly’s agenda. Despite expectations that the Bill would be debated, it was not tabled for discussion.
This development did not occur by chance. It was the result of deliberate and timely engagement by pro-life and pro-family organizations and individuals across the region, who acted swiftly after concerns surrounding the Bill became public. Rather than waiting for the legislation to quietly advance through the Assembly, stakeholders moved to ensure that lawmakers were fully briefed on the implications of the Bill and the depth of public opposition to it.
Input to the Report of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls
Image: Henk Jan van Schothorst, director CCI with Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls
By Sylvia Mesesi
Christian Council International submitted a report in response to the call for input by the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls. The report examines patterns and challenges related to violence against women and girls, with particular attention to violence occurring within the family, violence linked to motherhood and pregnancy and the intersection between violence against women and child protection. The analysis is based on observations from African, Pacific and Caribbean contexts, where similar legal, social and socioeconomic factors shape both risks and responses to violence.
Avoided lives? Address to the United Nations rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
On March 6th, CCI delivered an urgent appeal to the special rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities in Geneva.
The statement addresses the rise of ableist abortions (abortions because of fetal disabilities). Unfortunately, the UN does not undertake appropriate action to ensure that the right to life is also applied to unborn persons with a disability.
The statement reads as follows:
Christian Council International thanks the Rapporteur for her report.
For persons with disabilities, the right to have a voice is essential. As emphasized in this year’s report, this includes a political voice.
Despite all noble efforts, however, millions of disabled people’s voices are silenced.
Commission undermines its own credibility
Oral Statement by Mark den Hollander at the 15th plenary meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)
Thank you for this opportunity to speak. I deliver this statement on behalf of Christian Council International.
While many organizations and Member States regard the outcome document as a positive step for the advancement of women and girls, we wish to express our concern regarding the process that led to its adoption. From the start of negotiations on the Agreed Conclusions, civil society organizations could not participate in a meaningful way. Instead of conducting the primary negotiations during the session itself, the Commission was presented with a finalized text on the first day of the session for consideration. Transparency, accountability, and constructive involvement by civil society organizations in the drafting of the text were disregarded, to say the least.
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In order for CCI's work to continue and expand, a steady flow of funds is necessary. To get an idea of what the project plan looks like for 2024-2026, click on the button below. It is an ambitious plan, but every contribution helps us!
CCI is a non-profit organisation. It develops an international network of Christians and conservatives involved in public policy and influences policy from a Christian perspective. CCI speaks at international organisations such as the UN, EU and the Human Rights Council to stand up for a Christian voice with an extra focus on themes such as life, family and freedom.
For donations in USD you can go to: https://www.christiancouncilinternational.org/what-you-can-do/donate/
Checks (USD) can be sent to:
Mr. John Van Der Brink, 243 Garside Ave Wayne, NJ 07470, USACCI office US is a Section 501 (c)(3) organization under the IRS code, so contributions are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers.
Donation option in CAD, see:
https://www.christiancouncilinternational.org/en-ca/what-you-can-do-ca/donate-ca/
Email - E-Transfer: canada@christiancouncilinternational.org
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