Upholding human rights enables a society to put people at the center of all policymaking – political, economic and social – thus protecting the life and dignity of the human person whatever its condition or stage of development. In the year 2020, the world entered into the novel coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented crisis that impacts all aspects of life and presents new threats to upholding human rights.
December 10 is International Human Rights Day. Join us in reciting this prayer by Rabbi Brant Rosen. Explore our Lenten Reflection Guide on human rights.
To understand what our faith teaches about human rights, see “Catholic Social Teaching and Human Rights.”
To learn about Maryknoll mission experience honoring and protecting human rights and the life and dignity of the human person, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, read Maryknoll’s 100 Years of Mission.
To learn about human rights advocacy, watch a 30-minute webinar, “Human Rights Advocacy and the Legacy of Sr. Dianna Ortiz.” You will also find a corresponding page of resources on current human rights issues.
To learn about new threats to human rights, see our articles featured in Maryknoll Magazine:
Upholding Human Rights During the Pandemic
A “David and Goliath” Story of Water Defenders
Ahead of the 24th anniversary of Guantánamo’s opening, 116 organizations signed this statement led by CVT and the Center for Constitutional Rights reaffirming that it must be closed, without repurposing it for any future detention regime, and that there must be redress for individuals who were held and whose rights were violated.
Watch the recording of our special webinar on Venezuela: Beyond the Headlines from January 8, 2026, to learn more about the situation in Venezuela and how you can take meaningful action. As Venezuela navigates a pivotal and challenging moment in its history, the headlines often miss the most important element: the lived experience of the…
Experts believe ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is possible with enough political will, funding, and access to tools for prevention and treatment.
The UN Committee Against Torture highlights allegations, including dog attacks and sexual violence, by Israeli military personal, raising concern about war crimes.
The Trump administration aims to send thousands of immigrants to the Guantánamo Bay Detention Center where fifteen men remain in indefinite detention, 24 years since the hidden and abusive prison opened.
The “wave of terror” surrounding general elections in Tanzania has plunged the East African nation into its most severe political and human rights crisis in decades.
With a dramatic, chaotic ending to the recent presidential election, Honduras is navigating the collision of corporate lawsuits, historical corruption, and the urgent struggle for democracy.
Maryknoll Fr. John Keegan speaks of holding fast to hope and joy in the midst of suffering and pain during the Christmas season. Celebrating Christmas is a matter of allowing our joy to be touched by painful realization. For the fleeting moments of celebration, our attention is drawn to the saving power of gentleness and…
Maryknoll Affiliates Louis and Janet Tullo reflect on Joseph’s quiet courage. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. Last year, the Gospel reading for today focused on Mary’s perspective. This year, we walk with Joseph. Both stories are profiles in…
On December 10, we observe Human Rights Day, which celebrates the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This ground-breaking document expresses the inalienable rights guaranteed to…
Join us for a prayer vigil in support of our immigrant community on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. All are welcome to attend this nonviolent public witness of love…
Join us on December 11 at 2 pm ET to call upon your Representative to support H.R.1841, the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act. The Korean War never officially ended…
Maryknoll lay missioner Sarah Bueter reflects on small acts of love and justice. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. In this Sunday’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptist waits in expectation from his prison cell. He…
Maryknoll Sr. Ann Hayden invites us to be hopeful this Advent. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. Pope Leo XIV, in his recent Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te, said “Love for the Lord, then, is one with love for the…
December 1 is Worlds Aid Day. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention service….
Maryknoll Fr. James Kroeger invites us to walk with God this Advent. This reflection is included in our 2025 Advent Reflection Guide, along with discussion questions, prayers and quotes from Maryknoll missioners and affiliates. Our three scripture readings for this first Sunday of Advent overflow with rich imagery that alerts us to be vigilant and…
Maryknoll lay missioner Rick Dixon challenges us to take on the humble qualities of Christ, our king. On this feast day of Christ the King, I rush to read John 6, where Jesus withdraws to the mountain alone after a miracle when he knows the crowd is about to take him by force to make…
