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 

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Feast of Christ the King

Curt Klueg, a returned Maryknoll Lay Missioner, writes this week’s Scripture reflection on the great gift of forgiveness.

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33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dave Kane, a member of the Global Concerns staff, is a returned Maryknoll Lay Missioner who lives and works in Joao Pessoa, Brazil.

Chloe Schwabe and Yolanda Flores at #NoDAPL protest

Trade: Indigenous peoples say “Water is life”

Maryknoll Sister Patricia Ryan and members of the indigenous community where she works in Peru came to Washington, D.C. in September to pursue legal efforts to stop a mining company from polluting their sacred land and water. At the same time, Native American Sioux Indians from Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota were leading demonstrations in front of the White House with a very similar goal.

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31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Curt and Anita Klueg and their children were Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Kenya. They reflect on the call to radical hospitality. 

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29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This week’s reflection was prepared by Marj Humphrey who spent many years as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in East Africa.

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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This week’s reflection is written by Kathy McNeely, a returned Maryknoll Lay Missioner and former staff member of Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns.