KAIROS defends human rights as both principle and practice as we strive to better the lives of people around the globe. We understand human rights to be an expression of commitment to the dignity of all people made in the image of God. As people called to further God’s justice and love, we recognize and defend that dignity of all persons by affirming norms required for a full human life.
It has been 60 years since the acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the decades since, most countries have agreed upon numerous human rights standards and enshrined them into international law. While the standard setting has been ambitious, we still lack ways to enforce many commitments. As a result, many governments routinely violate human rights and their obligations are not fulfilled.
KAIROS is committed to helping to build the global human rights movement. In Canada, we give particular attention to Indigenous rights as well as to migrant justice. By focusing our advocacy on the economic, social and cultural rights of Indigenous and migrant communities, KAIROS seeks to contribute to the goal of a Canada without poverty.
Historic partner relationships and current members’ priorities lead us to focus our international human rights’ commitment on particular countries of concern, such as Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Colombia, Israel/Palestine and The Philippines. Working with global partners to address human rights violations in the midst of conflict contributes to building just and sustainable peace.
Recognizing always the particularly vulnerabilities and strengths of women and girls, KAIROS lifts up the leadership of women human rights defenders through a integrative program we call Women of Courage.
Our advocacy program is complemented by human rights education that strengthens the human rights literacy of Canadians of faith and conscience.
