Human rights

The Latest

Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett speaks at a press conference Dec 6, 2012.

Religious freedom essential for global human rights, panel says

Mar 4, 2014

By Adelaide Mena

Experts at a recent panel talk in Washington, D.C., suggested that while religious freedom has become a respectable component of... Read more

Reggie Littlejohn meets Pope Francis during the 2013 MaterCare International Conference in Rome

Women's rights activist among 'Top 10' of Vatican magazine

Feb 6, 2014

By Elise Harris

Reggie Littlejohn, known for her work opposing forced abortion and gendercide in China, has been named as one of “Inside... Read more

Anti-government protestors stand in Independence Square Jan. 28, 2014 in Kiev, Ukraine.

Ukraine protests seek to defend human rights, bishop reflects

Jan 29, 2014

A leading Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop has denounced the “brutality” of government crackdowns on protests in the Ukraine, while urging... Read more

Vatican launches global campaign to fight 'scandal' of hunger

Dec 10, 2013

By Elise Harris

Caritas International has initiated their first global campaign to eradicate hunger, promoting the basic human right to food, and encouraging... Read more

Flag of China.

Reports of a more lax one-child policy in China 'misleading'

Nov 15, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

Recent news that the Chinese government is easing its one child policy is “very misleading” because they do not address... Read more

Chen Guangcheng announces his new Catholic University of America fellowship on October 2, 2013.

Chinese pro-life activist awarded human rights fellowships

Oct 2, 2013

By Adelaide Mena

Chinese pro-life activist Chen Guangcheng has announced a new three-year partnership with the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.,... Read more

Reggie Littlejohn meets Pope Francis during the 2013 MaterCare International Conference in Rome.

One-child policy still a massive threat to women, expert warns

Sep 25, 2013

By Elise Harris

In wake of the 33rd anniversary of China's one-child policy, a women's rights activist has raised concern about those who... Read more

CNA

Spanish government criticized for silence on Asia Bibi

Aug 7, 2013

The Spanish civil liberties website MasLibres is criticizing the Spanish government for failing to advocate on behalf of Asia Bibi,... Read more

Rep. Frank R. Wolf, (R-Virginia).

Vietnam president's visit shines spotlight on human rights

Jul 12, 2013

By Adelaide Mena

As the leaders of the United States and Vietnam prepare to meet, one federal lawmaker is calling for stronger efforts... Read more

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. (File photo/CNA).

Be not afraid of immigrants, Archbishop Gomez encourages

Jun 28, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

In a new book marking Independence Day, the archbishop of Los Angeles addresses immigration reform in the context of the... Read more

A shell lays in the middle of the street in Homs, Syria, a remnant of the heavy attack leveled on the city on June 11, 2012.

Facing risk of death, Syrian priests remain faithful

Jun 26, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

As civil war rages in Syria, priests are choosing to stay with their people and continue pastoring them, even as... Read more

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez.

LA archbishop says immigration tests America's identity

Jun 25, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

The American Dream is at stake in the debate over immigration reform, Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles told a... Read more

Zambian flag.

Zambian bishops encourage 'people-driven' constitution

Jun 13, 2013

The Catholic bishops of Zambia have urged locals to be vigilant in calling for a new, “people-driven” constitution to help... Read more

Rep Chris Smith listens during an October 4 Helsinki Commission hearing.

Britain urged to investigate murder of Irish human rights champion

May 16, 2013

By Adelaide Mena

Witnesses and congressmen at a U.S. hearing renewed a call to the British government to launch a public inquiry into... Read more

A demonstration is held outside Primark flagship store over Bangladesh factory disaster.

Bangladesh tragedy sparks call for retail accountability

May 15, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

After the collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh which killed at least 1,127 workers, demands for better oversight from... Read more

California State Capitol.

Critics say Calif. infertility bill violates children's rights

May 1, 2013

By Carl Bunderson

A California bill ensuring that health care coverage for infertility treatments would be provided to same-sex couples is a violation... Read more

CNA

Murdered Guatemalan bishop remembered for peace efforts

Apr 30, 2013

During a Mass to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi’s death, Archbishop Oscar Julio Vian of Guatemala... Read more

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Human rights include religious freedom, commission says

Apr 23, 2013

By Kevin J. Jones

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has asked Secretary of State John Kerry to focus on religious liberty as... Read more

Speaker Boehner greeting Chen Guangcheng.

Blind activist appeals to US over China's human rights abuses

Apr 11, 2013

Blind Chinese human rights activist and lawyer Chen Guangcheng criticized China for its human rights abuses and asked that the... Read more

Anglican Archbishop Desmond speaks during a UN press conference on October 11, 2012

Anglican archbishop lands massive prize for peace efforts

Apr 5, 2013

South African apartheid fighter Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize in recognition of the Anglican churchman's... Read more