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
Write to Guatemalan authorities to ask for an independent investigation into the actions taken by military forces on October 4 which resulted in the deaths of six people and injuries of over 40.
Join human rights activists in a one day fast to honor those killed by SOA/WHINSEC graduates.
Every year on November 20, people come together to pray and act for the well-being of children.
Sabeel DC Metro’s Fall Seminar will focus on the recent Kairos Palestine document
This week’s reflection is written by Barbara Fraser, a former Maryknoll lay missioner.
The following is taken from a press release from the Right to Food and Nutrition Watch Consortium.
From SOA Watch: This past Saturday and Monday (September 22-24), two human rights lawyers, Antonio Trejo and Eduardo Diaz, were brutally murdered in Honduras, bringing to over 60 the number…
Throughout these tumultuous times in Sudan, the Sudanese people have been murdered, oppressed and silenced for too long. Having been crippled by state violence for years, we join together to commemorate the souls of those who lost their lives and fight for peace and life with dignity for those who remain suffering. We will not stop until there is peace in every region of Sudan.
The U.S. Robin Hood Tax Campaign applauded the introduction in Congress of a bill that would impose a tax on Wall Street speculation. Introduced by Rep. Keith Ellison, HR 6411, the Inclusive Prosperity Act, would raise up to $350 billion in annual revenues that would be used to breathe new life into Main Street communities across the U.S., as well as international health, sustainable prosperity and environmental programs.
After nearly 30 years, Efrain Ríos Montt finally will face trial for genocide and crimes against humanity. Ríos Montt was Guatemala’s president for 17 months during 1982 to 1983, when at least 1,771 people were killed, 1,445 raped and nearly 30,000 displaced, the bloodiest period of the country’s brutal 36-year civil war. The following article was published in the March-April 2012 NewsNotes.
The following piece, published in the July-August 2012 NewsNotes, is an update from an article by Sarah Anderson with the Institute for Policy Studies, published in the March-April 2012 NewsNotes.
The following article was published in the July-August 2012 NewsNotes.
During their meetings in May at Camp David and in Chicago, the Group of Eight and NATO leaders highlighted women’s rights on their discussion agenda. The following article was published in the July-August 2012 NewsNotes.
Thursday, Nov. 1 is the feast of All Saints; Sr. Ann Hayden writes the reflection for that day’s readings.
Fr. Ken Thesing spent many years as a missioner in East Africa, and now works in Rome. “Our scriptures often use contrasts – like the theme of darkness and light, or as we see in the readings for today’s liturgy, the theme of ‘blindness’ and ‘sight’ to show that process of growth in understanding for the disciples or for anyone who wants to follow Jesus … These are the people God brings back and restores – not just the strong, the gifted, and those who can pay for assistance but the frail and vulnerable – no one is left out.”
This Sunday’s reflection is written by Fr. Jim Kroeger, who has served as a missioner in Asia for many years.
Dave Kane, who recently left the Maryknoll lay missioners after many years (mostly in Brazil, followed by a stint at the Global Concerns office), wrote today’s reflection.
Lay missioner Liz Mach, who has lived and worked in Africa, writes today’s reflection.
