Human rights

The Latest

The Royal Courts of Justice, London. Editorial

UK court orders forced abortion for disabled woman

Jun 21, 2019

A British judge has authorized doctors to perform an abortion on a pregnant Catholic woman with developmental disabilities and a... Read more

United Nations headquarters in New York City. Via Shutterstock

Pro-life laws are ‘extremist hate,’ UN official says

Jun 4, 2019

Efforts to restrict abortion in the U.S. have drawn strong denunciations from a senior United Nations official, who called recent pro-life... Read more

Diamonds.

A bloody secret still haunts the diamond industry

Feb 14, 2019

By Adelaide Mena

Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night by a dark figure in your room. He presses a... Read more

Pope Francis addresses members of the diplomatic corps ac

Pope to diplomats: Remember transcendent dimension of human persons

Jan 7, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Upholding the dignity of the human person, and the rule of law, are essential for good politics, Pope Francis said... Read more

Ocean, mountains, flowers.

Holy See dissatisfied Poland climate summit downplayed human rights

Dec 19, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a statement Wednesday, the Holy See said the rules for implementing the Paris Agreement, established during the recent UN... Read more

Report: 'Aggressive nationalism' fueling threats to religious minorities

Nov 26, 2018

“Aggressive nationalism” is a principal driver of violence and intimidation targeting religious minorities in certain parts of the world, according... Read more

President Donald Trump with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in March 2018.

Trump defends relationship with Saudi Arabia after journalist's murder

Nov 21, 2018

Citing low oil prices, U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he will continue to support Saudi Arabia after the... Read more

Uyghurs at a mosque in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China, September 2010.

Congressional bill aims for human rights for China’s Uyghurs

Nov 15, 2018

Legislation could help advance religious freedom and human rights in China’s far western province of Xinjiang, say U.S. lawmakers concerned... Read more

Human rights advocates: UN must address Chinese internment camps

Nov 7, 2018

Human rights advocates are calling on the United Nations to address reports of Chinese internment camps holding 1 million Muslim... Read more

In wealthy San Francisco, treatment of homeless draws UN condemnation

Nov 6, 2018

As San Francisco prepares to consider a ballot measure to boost taxes for services to aid the homeless, a U.N.... Read more

US President Donald Trump, Ambassador Nikki Haley at the United Nations, Sept. 2018.

U.S. will remain committed to protecting the unborn at the U.N., Haley says

Nov 5, 2018

By Christine Rousselle

As negotiations begin on the annual United Nations humanitarian assistance omnibus resolution, the United States will remain committed to protecting... Read more

Pro-life leaders oppose broad expansion of abortion in Australian state

Oct 8, 2018

A parliamentary committee reportedly supported a proposal Oct. 5 to significantly expand abortion in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland.  Read more

Analysis: Benedict XVI’s unpublished letter- God is key to understanding human rights

May 14, 2018

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Ratiznger Schuelerkreis, a circle of former students of Joseph Ratzinger who meet annually, will gather this year to discuss... Read more

North Korean flies in Pyongyang.

Religious freedom efforts in the spotlight as North Korean prisoners freed

May 9, 2018

By Courtney Mares

The release of three American prisoners from North Korea was hailed as an important first step in addressing abuses within... Read more

Balancing human rights with peacebuilding efforts in North Korea

May 5, 2018

By Courtney Mares

The potential release of three American prisoners from North Korea’s labor camps – reported to be “imminent” – would be... Read more

Our elders are lonely – do we care?

Dec 26, 2017

By Mary Farrow

It was August in Rome, the dog days of summer, and most people had left the Eternal City for the... Read more

Texas bishop: Don't deport mother of young cancer patient

Aug 9, 2017

Deportation to Mexico of the mother of a cancer-stricken girl would be cruelty, the Bishop of El Paso has said.  Read more

Charlie Gard holds metal of St. Jude.

Charlie Gard was baptized, held St. Jude medal before death

Jul 31, 2017

Charlie Gard, an 11 month-old British infant who made headlines around the world over a fierce legal battle on parental... Read more

Judge axes order reducing jail time for sterilized inmates

Jul 28, 2017

Tennessee Judge Sam Benningfield has rescinded his controversial order offering reduced sentences to prisoners who would undergo sterilization procedures.  Read more

Charlie Gard. Photo via Charlie Gard's GoFundMe page.

Charlie Gard's family could be allowed permanent US residency

Jul 19, 2017

Amid the Gard family's legal battle in the U.K. to pursue experimental treatment for their infant son, a committee in... Read more