Central America: Corruption fuels protests
In Honduras and Guatemala, corrupt and criminal elites have colluded to enrich themselves by stealing hundreds of millions of dollars in the last few years alone from government agencies that provide social services, and revenue for the government.
Japanese bishops: Peace must not depend upon weapons
In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Catholic bishops of Japan released the following statement.
Myanmar: Rohingya face discrimination, exploitation
The recent surge of 4,000 Rohingya migrants that fled Myanmar and Bangladesh in April and May illustrates a story rooted in discrimination and ostracism based on anti-Muslim bias that permeates the Buddhist-majority nation of Myanmar.
Africa: Challenges of infrastructure development
The essential role of infrastructure is being rediscovered worldwide as a key component of a comprehensive development strategy. However, in order to be sustainable and deliver real benefits to the communities and the environment directly affected, infrastructure projects need good governance, meaningful civil society participation, and real accountability.
Africa: Responses to economic crisis
According to the IMF’s April 2015 report "Regional Economic Outlook: Sub-Saharan Africa Navigating Headwinds," Africa’s economies are predicted to grow at about 4.5 percent during 2015, yet African economies face enormous uncertainties and risks.
Sudan: Bashir evades International Criminal Court
Despite indictments by the International Criminal Court in 2009 and 2010, Sudan's President Bashir remains in power and has not been brought to justice, and the killing and displacement of Sudanese by their own government is again on the upswing.
The Encyclical Launch, an Appeal to be Heard
The following commentary was written by Fr. John T. Brinkman, MM, who attended the launch of the encyclical Laudato Si' on June 18 at the Vatican.
Maryknoll celebrates publication of "Laudato Si’"
The Maryknoll mission family celebrates the publication of "Laudato Si’" ("Praised be: On the care of the common home"), Pope Francis’ letter to the people of God that calls for a greater understanding of the integration of human ecology and our planet, identifies human activity as a primary source of climate change, and calls for a conversion to a lifestyle of greater simplicity
The U.S. should lead – not compromise – on human rights
The following opinion piece by Sr. Helene O'Sullivan, MM was published in the Hill newspaper on June 12, 2015.
Nepal: Update from Maryknoll (May 5)
Maryknoll missioners have served in Nepal for many years; currently, Fr. Joe Thaler lives and works in Kathmandu.
Resources from the May-June 2015 NewsNotes
Torture Awareness Week (June), Campaign Nonviolence national conference (August), a book on drones, a report on climate change, and a kit to teach peace.
UN: Reports from CSW59, “Change is coming”
Held two decades after the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, which took place in Beijing, a repeated theme at this year’s Commission on the Status of Women was that, in too many places, not enough progress has been made.