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 

Birth of John the Baptist

Sr. Roni Schweyen writes this week’s reflection, drawing on her years of mission work in Tanzania.

Pentecost Sunday

This week’s reflection is written by Sr. Euphrasia Nyaki, who lives and works in João Pessoa, Brazil.

Children at the Mavambo Trust program in Zimbabwe

Together with Africa: Mavambo Trust gives children a new beginning

In 2002, Maryknoll Sister Kathleen Barbee, who has lived and worked in Africa for many years, and a Redemptorist colleague responded to the profound needs of Zimbabwean children living in poverty and established the Mavambo (“genesis”) Trust. Mavambo programs assist children who live in Zimbabwe’s Mabvuku, Tafara and Goromonzi districts; many of the children who…

Maryknoll missioners meet with Nita Lowey

Maryknoll Centennial Celebration in Washington, D.C.: A day on the Hill: Bringing Maryknoll experience to U.S. policymakers

Almost 70 Maryknoll missioners, Affiliates and staff members gathered in Washington, D.C. on May 16-17 for a special event to help mark the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers’ and the Maryknoll Sisters’ centennial years (2011-2012). For many years, the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns (MOGC) has brought the lived experience of Maryknoll missioners and the people with…

Cuba_chess

May-June 2012 NewsNotes

This issue includes a brief report from Cuba, an update on South Sudan, and a piece about “exporting obesity.”

el_salvador_contamination

March-April 2012 NewsNotes

This issue of NewsNotes includes an update on the Pacific Rim case against El Salvador; the TIPNIS controversy in Bolivia; the historic move in Guatemala to try former dictator Rios Montt for human rights abuses; a report about the “financialization of nature”; and much more.

earth in hands

January-February 2012 NewsNotes

Celebrating 100 years of Maryknoll sisters … plus an update on the students’ protest in Chile, post-referendum news from Sudan-South Sudan, news about the June 2012 Earth Summit, and principles for public-private partnerships for food security.