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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
Remaining CDC PEPFAR Programs Face Funding Cliff
As PEPFAR faces funding restrictions under shifting U.S. global health policy, millions of lives are at stake across dozens of countries.
Philippine Bishop Issues Call for ‘Church of the Poor’
In a seven-page pastoral letter, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos in the central Philippines issued a powerful call for the Philippine Catholic Church and its faithful to transition into a “Church of the Poor.”
Joint Statement on US plan to send Cuban migrants to Guantánamo
Maryknoll joins 85 other US and international human rights organizations to urge the U.S. government to reject the plan for a Guantánamo camp for Cuban migrants.
Second Sunday of Easter
Maryknoll Sr. Dee Smith reflects on the disciples’ fear, doubt, and guilt after Jesus’ death, emphasizing that their struggles mirror our own moments of uncertainty in living out our faith, and God’s mercy prevails over all. How many of us today can identify with one or another of the disciples hidden away in the upper…
Webinar: Witnessing ‘Neighborism’ amid the U.S. Federal Government Siege of Minnesota
The webinar discussed “Operation Metro Surge,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s historic immigration enforcement action, which brought unprecedented turmoil to Minnesota. As state-sanctioned violence and disregard for basic rights surged, it was met by an unexpected wave of resistance led by, among others, hockey moms, small business owners, and faith leaders. Along the way,…
Bishops Across Americas Name Shared Concerns
Eleven Catholic Bishops from the United States, Canada, and Latin America met in Tampa, Florida, for a biennial gathering aimed at strengthening continental unity.
Praying With Our Feet For Immigrant Rights
A season of holy resistance by faith groups is in full swing in Washington, D.C., against current federal immigration enforcement practices and funding.
A Joint Statement Calling for Closure of Guantánamo after 24 Years
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.
We Can End AIDS by 2030
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.
UN Says Israel Has ‘De Facto State Policy’ of Torture
The UN Committee Against Torture highlights allegations, including dog attacks and sexual violence, by Israeli military personal, raising concern about war crimes.
Close Guantánamo Before It Gets Worse
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.
Tanzania: Bishops Call for Justice After Election Violence
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.
Honduras at a Crossroads
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.
Christmas
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…
Fourth Sunday of Advent
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…
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…
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…
