Rwanda: Genocide Survivors Speak
The Africa Faith and Justice Network hosted a discussion in Washington, DC, with the authors of a new collection of testimonies from survivors of the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
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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
Sudan: War Resumes
Two generals vie for the vast resources of Africa’s third largest country; ordinary people are caught in between.
Guatemala: Election Results Sow New Hope
A surprise second-place finish for anti-corruption candidate bodes well for a country plagued by corruption.
Celebrate World Refugee Day
Today is an opportunity to re-imagine a world where refugees, asylum seekers, and all migrants are welcomed with compassion and treated with justice.
Tell Congress: Support the Palestinian Children and Families Act
Lawmakers announced HR3103: Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Act, which would prevent U.S. taxpayer funding of military detention of Palestinian children, or violations of international humanitarian law.
Central America Update
Guatemala holds a general election June 25th amidst political corruption and crackdowns, meanwhile El Salvador renews its State of Exception yet again.
Tell Congress: Renew PEPFAR
The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, is up for renewal. The plan is a necessary force in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Maryknoll OGC Supports Guatemalan Human Rights protector Jorge Santos
Guatemala currently faces rampant corruption and attacks on free speech and human rights. We stand in solidarity with those engulfed in the maelstrom, particularly Jorge Santos, director of the Unit for the Protection of Rights Defenders in Guatemala.
Pray, Study, Act for World Africa Day
May 25th marks the 60th anniversary of World Africa Day. Maryknoll missioners in Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and most recently, Chad, invite us to celebrate the diverse beauty and…
Pentecost
Sr. Claris Zwareva, MM, contemplates the gifts of the Holy Spirit even in times of tragic loss.
Maryknoll OGC Asks for a Human Rights-focused Root Causes Intitiative
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joined 32 other religious and humanitarian groups in calling on the White House for a Root Causes Initiative that uses diplomacy to “combat corruption, promote respect for human rights, worker rights, and the rule of law, and encourage inclusive governance.”
Pray, Study, Act for Haiti
Haiti has seen growing instability since the 2010 earthquake, exacerbated by the assassination of their president in 2021. For Haitian Mothers Day, celebrated on May 28th, let us keep in mind those caught up in the turmoil.
Press Statement: End of Title 42
Maryknoll Missioners respond to the end of Title 42 and the asylum restrictions that take its place.
Philippines: Speak Up for Human Rights
President Joe Biden offers a warm welcome to the president of the Philippines, despite vast human rights violations throughout the country, and gets more military access in return.
Christians Lobby for Peace in the Holy Land
Churches for Middle East Peace held a summit for Christians to hear about the state of human rights in Israel and Palestine and to meet with their congressional representatives.
Peru: Christians Express Solidarity with Indigenous Protesters
Over 400 Christians in Peru signed an open letter in March 2023, to express their respect and support for the Aymara, Uro and Quechua peoples marching in defense of democracy and human rights.
El Salvador Cries for Freedom for the Innocent
The cardinal of San Salvador and families of the detained speak out for the thousands jailed during the suspension of civil rights in El Salvador.
Indigenous People’s Water Manifesto
The following is an excerpt from a manifesto endorsed and signed by 74 Indigenous peoples and organizations represented at the March 2023 UN Water Conference.