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Archived Urgent Action
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God wills a society in which all can exercise
full human rights. All human beings are created in God's image,
to be equal, infinitely precious in God's sight and ours. All human beings are born free and equal in
dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience
and should act toward one another in a spirit of [personhood]. |
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- Canada Sample Letter: Aboriginal Rights
- Guatemala Sample Letter: Threat to CONAVIGUA
- Philippines Sample Letter: Mindoro Oriental
- Sudan Sample Letter: Recruitment of Child Soldiers
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Introduction |
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KAIROS invites all of its members and supporters to mark this year's International Human Rights Day (December 10th) by sending a message of concern to authorities in various parts of the world about urgent human rights situations which require action. Model letters to the governments of Canada, Guatemala and the Philippines as well as the government and SPLM in Sudan are included in the links provided here:
- Canada Sample Letter: Aboriginal Rights
- Guatemala Sample Letter: Threat to CONAVIGUA
- Philippines Sample Letter: Mindoro Oriental
- Sudan Sample Letter: Recruitment of Child Soldiers
We encourage you to send one (or more if your are able to) letter to the authorities listed in the model letter(s).
Please send copies of all letters you send to KAIROS and let us know if you wish to be added to our e-mail list of persons who would be able to respond to urgent action requests at info@kairoscanada.org .
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Background |
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December 10 was chosen as International Human Rights Day because it marks the aniversary of the day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (December 10, 1948). The Universal Declaration is an extraordinary document which, half a century later, continues to challenge governments and peoples worldwide with a vision for a life with dignity for every human being. The full text of the Universal Declaration can be found at: www.unhchr.ch/udhr
The protection and promotion of human rights are central to the work and vision of KAIROS and its member churches. We believe we are called to share in God's mission of justice, peace and respect for all Creation and to seek for all humanity the abundant life which God intends.
Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration, there have been significant gains in human rights protection which we can celebrate. Yet, sadly, the devastating experience of millions of victims of human rights violations, of poverty and famine, illiteracy and racism continues to demonstrate how far the world still is from realizing the ideals which guided the General Assembly in 1948.
This International Human Rights Day and throughout the year, KAIROS invites all of its members and supporters to remember in thought and prayer as well as through your actions, those persons and communities in every part of the world whose rights are being violated and to work to help make the vision of the Universal Declaration come true.
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Suggested prayer |
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God of Justice,
In whom all people are created equal
Shape our conscience according to justice and peace
That we may recognize the talents that you have given us
To secure the rights and dignity of the poor, the oppressed, the
sick
Those with whom Jesus never ceases to walk
And those with whom we too are called to be in solidarity.
This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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