2025 Human Rights Day
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…
Human Rights
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
Prayer Vigil for Immigrants, Dec. 12
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…
Power Hour for Peace in Korea
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…
Third Sunday of Advent
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…
Second Sunday of Advent
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…
World AIDS Day Prayer Vigil
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….
First Sunday of Advent
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…
Feast of Christ the King
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…
Call to Action for Tanzania
A friend of ours in Tanzania counted 46 killed by security forces among friends and neighbors since the election on Oct. 29, raising the alarm about the extent of the…
Lessons from the Catholic Church in the Philippines
The Catholic Church’s actions during the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines offer powerful lessons for the Church in countries experiencing authoritarianism today.
Catholic Church Responses to Authoritarianism in History
The Catholic Church and its members have served as crucial counterweights to oppressive governments throughout history, defending human rights under authoritarian rule.
Faith-filled Resistance to Immigration Enforcement
Faith-based organizations across the United States are mobilizing in response to the Trump administration’s heightened immigration enforcement.
Peru: Church Leaders Denounce Violence, Defend Human Rights
President Dina Boluarte, who had overseen one of the worst massacres in recent Peruvian history in 2023, was impeached and removed from office by Peru’s Congress on Oct. 10 for failing to curb a wave of violent crime in the country. Weeks earlier, the Congress had passed an amnesty law pardoning members of government security…
Tanzania’s Rights Crisis Deepens Post-Election
Abductions, deadly suppression of dissent, internet blockades, and the targeting of vulnerable groups prompt domestic and international warnings against rights violations in Tanzania.
Let Children Live Vigil on World Children’s Day
Join a prayer vigil for the children of Palestine. Tomorrow/Thursday, November 20th, at 11:30 am Eastern (8:30 am Pacific): Register to receive the link. November 20 is World Children’s Day….
Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants
On October 22 and November 13, Catholics across the United States are invited to join the “One Church One Family Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants.” The Maryknoll Office for Global…
Faith Organizations Speak Out Against Deep Sea Mining
Twenty-six faith organizations tell Congress to oppose the Trump administration’s executive order to fast track deep sea mining in the open ocean outside of U.S. territorial waters, destroying habitats that have taken millions of years to form, and endangering marine life and coastal communities. Read the letter as a PDF October 30, 2025 We, the…