ion of the News from AEFJN is now online. It contains news on UN Climate Summit in Durban (big business control the negotiations, REDD+ market mechanism is criticised), on protection of biodiversity and report on land rush, on Small Arms Flows and Communities in Kenya, on the Ethno-Religious Conflict in Nigeria, on Benin’s Universal Health Insurance Plan, efavirenz and AZT regimens for HIV treatment, on Africa lying naked to Euro-American Military Offensive and on Malawi urban poor hit by slew of price increases.
The national election campaign officially started the 28th October in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exactly one month ahead of historic presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for November 28 2011. 41 humanitarian and human rights organizations, among them AEFJN, have expressed concern about the high political tension and deteriorating security situation. They have called upon all Congolese and international actors involved to take urgent measures to prevent electoral violence, better protect civilians and ensure credible, free and fair elections.
A simple booklet for workers in health centers in Africa, with guidelines on how to ensure the quality of purchased drugs. How can we assure the quality of the medicines we are buying? What do we need to know? What precautions should we take?
To encourage the commitment of AEFJN members in Africa, towards the fight against the proliferation of small arms in the continent, AEFJN has published a booklet with the organizations working for greater control of arms in Africa. 
AEFJN, the Network, its Vision and Mission
AFRICA EUROPE FAITH AND JUSTICE NETWORK (AEFJN) is a Faith-based International Network present in AFRICA and in EUROPE, established in 1988.
AEFJN promotes economic justice between the European Union and sub-Saharan Africa so that the poor of Africa may look forward to a better future.
The parts of AEFJN Network
The Antennae
The AEFJN International Secretariat in Brussels (Belgium) coordinates the Antennae, does advocacy work and lobbies the European Institutions on issues affecting Africa.
The AEFJN ANTENNAE (national groups) create awareness among Christians and religious, do advocacy and lobby towards the national governments, on issues relevant to Africa.
There are 13 Antennae in 12 European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain (Madrid and Barcelona), Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom,
The member congregations
Nearly fifty Catholic Religious or Missionary Institutes present in Africa and Europe are AEFJN members. The Contact Person represents the congregation at annual AEFJN General Assembly.
Many AEFJN's members, have experience of the reality of life in Africa and maintain close links with the people there. Their Christian faith brings a deep respect for each and every human being and a wish to support people who do not yet enjoy their fair share of the resources of creation.
The Executive
Elected by the General Assembly they are the leadership of the Network.
AEFJN Vision
- A world where all can enjoy their fair share of the gifts of creation and have the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential;
- A culture where people, especially the poor, are at the heart of economic and social policy.
- An Africa that can hold its own in its relations with other world powers.
AEFJN Mission
- Motivated by our Christian faith and enriched by the Social Teaching of the Church, we aim to be alert wherever political decisions concerning economic relations between Africa and Europe are being made.
- As citizens of our own countries and of the European Union, we lobby decision-makers at a national level through our 'Antenna' groups and, at European level, through the International Secretariat in Brussels.
- Networking through our communities and churches we join with other Church and civil society groups at national and international level we strive to advance the common cause for a respectful, compassionate and just world.
AEFJN’s values and specificity
Our values
- Our Christian faith
- Our preferential option for the poor
- Our desire for global justice and a fair share of the gifts or creation for all and specially the people of Africa
- A profound respect for the dignity of each human being
- A concern for fair and just relationships between Africa and Europe and for the global common good
Other features of AEFJN
- Has a stability of presence, through its member congregations, with the poor in Africa which gives access to knowledge about the reality of their life.
- Has members who are present in Africa and in Europe, in touch with all layers of society and knowing well the African context.
- Focuses on the economic issues affecting relations between Africa and the European Union and its member states.
- Aims to influence economic policies related to Africa.
- Disseminates information on issues of structural injustices to its members and the general public.
- Is a Christian network, but can take decisions independently of the Institutional Church.
Our strong points regarding Africa and Europe
- Knowledge of the African reality at grassroots level based on personal experience.
- A knowledge of the EU policy towards Africa
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Our network reaches people of our congregations and institutions in Africa and in Europe.
AEFJN lobbies and does advocacy at different levels:
With other partners (civil society, NGOs, Church groups) working on the same issues and having similar concerns. AEFJN coordinates its activities at the European and national levels, joining in shared reflection on the issues and defining areas where common activities, such as joint statements, positions and conferences can be undertaken.
At Church level creating awareness among religious, missionaries and lay people on the impact of trade policies on the people of Africa. AEFJN works to change the unjust structures, which bring about impoverishment and inequality in the people and the countries of Africa.
At national level in collaboration with the International Secretariat, the national AEFJN Antenna works at national level, to create awareness and to make advocacy towards the national government, Parliament and Church groups.
At the EU level the International Secretariat is in contact different with DGs of the European Commission, with the European Parliament and with the Council.
At African level AEFJN is in contact with a number of groups in Africa working on economic issues.
Meeting of AEFJN at the World Social Forum - Nairobi 2007
Members from AEFJN congregations working on Justice issues met at Nairobi during the World Social Forum, to get to know the Network better.
Our address
AEFJN International Secretariat
174, rue Joseph II
B – 1000 Brussels
Belgium
Tel. +32.(0)2.234.68.10
Fax +32.(0)2.231.14.13
Email: aefjn@aefjn.org