Human Rights

What will it take to stop the horror of war in Kivu, DRC?

February 13, 2025

Français ci-dessous 🛑#Rwandan aggression: “My message is clear: Silence the guns. Stop the escalation. Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law,”  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. KAIROS…

Post filed in: Africa, Human Rights

KAIROS welcomes news of a ceasefire in Gaza

January 16, 2025

We welcome the news of a ceasefire in Gaza and pray for it to take hold. After 15 months of relentless war and unimaginable human suffering, we long deeply to see permanent ceasefire, release of all hostages and detainees, and…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Middle East, Palestine Israel Conflict

“Hope Does Not Disappoint Us” (Romans 5:5)

December 11, 2024

KAIROS received the following Christmas message from Zoughbi Zoughbi, Director and Founder of Wi’am: Palestinian Centre for Conflict Transformation. For more resources on Just Peace in the Middle East visit KAIROS’ Ecumenical Hub. Hope isn’t guesswork or speculation; hope is…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Middle East

Canada must champion peace and human rights in the Philippines

December 11, 2024

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines. It’s an opportune moment for Canada to reaffirm its commitment to peace, human rights, and justice by supporting the resumption of peace talks between the Government of…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Philippines

This Christmas, we invite you to be part of the change we all long for – a world of hope, justice, and dignity.

December 10, 2024

Hope, again, is not naive optimism or despairing pessimism: it is an active, nonviolent and shared struggle for justice and peace. -Zoughbi Zoughbi, Director at KAIROS partner organization Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Center.  At KAIROS, we are Indigenous Peoples,…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Gender Justice, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

Amplifying KAIROS partners: voices for human rights and gender justice on International Human Rights Day

December 10, 2024

December 10 is International Human Rights Day, a day that commemorates the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It not easy to talk about human rights today, never mind celebrating it. The idea of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as…

Post filed in: Gender Justice, Human Rights

Justice for MMIWG2S! No more excuses!

December 7, 2024

The following content may be triggering. To reach the national support line, dial 1–844-413‑6649 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit people are traditionally sacred as life and care givers. However, they are…

Post filed in: Gender Justice, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

16 Days of Activism: highlighting the unique struggles of Palestinian women in war and under occupation

December 2, 2024

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global campaign that runs annually from November 25 to December 10, aiming to raise awareness about violence against women and girls. However, in the context of Palestine, this campaign…

Post filed in: Gender Justice, Human Rights, Middle East, Palestine Israel Conflict

KAIROS urges Canada to halt free trade negotiations with Ecuador

November 27, 2024

On November 25, KAIROS sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging Canada to halt the proposed free trade agreement with Ecuador, which is currently being fast-tracked. The expectation is that negotiations will wrap up at the end of 2024.  …

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Global South, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

Rise up against gender-based violence! KAIROS’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, November 25-December 10

November 25, 2024

Gender-based violence is on the rise globally.   Racialized and Indigenous women are particularly affected by multiple levels of gender-based violence and oppression. Women human rights defenders, peacebuilders, community leaders, journalists and politicians are often targeted, attacked and killed for speaking…

Post filed in: Gender Justice, Gender Justice/Women of Courage, Human Rights

Changes to immigration a step backwards for human rights in Canada

November 6, 2024

The federal government’s recent announcement to cut immigration will do nothing to improve the rights and wellbeing of migrant workers in Canada.  This announcement is based on fears that newcomers are exacerbating the housing and affordability crisis without a deeper…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Migrant Justice

No mas! The assassination of Father Marcelo in Chiapas requires an urgent response from the Mexican government

November 5, 2024

The call for attention to the increasing violence experienced in Chiapas, Mexico  “We have to redouble our efforts to build, from hope, against all hope, paths of peace and justice, from resistance – resilience, from creative non-violence.” – Anonymous advocate. …

Post filed in: Global South, Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

National Day of Action for MMIWG2S

October 4, 2024

We understand that this subject matter is difficult for many people in our community. If you require immediate support, please contact the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

KAIROS and member churches call on Canada to support the peace process in the Philippenes

October 3, 2024

KAIROS and  the heads of The United Church of Canada, The Anglican Church of Canada, The Evangelical Church in Canada, Development and Peace, The Presbyterian Church in Canada and The Philippine Independent Church have sent a letter to Minister Joly…

Post filed in: Global South, Human Rights

October 7 – lament, pray, act for peace in Palestine and Israel

October 1, 2024

For a year, we have pleaded for peace in Palestine and Israel and urged our government to unequivocally withdraw support for the armed conflict, which has led to devastating humanitarian consequences. We have mobilized churches throughout Canada and brought church…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Middle East, Social Justice

Orange stands for resilience. Honouring the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 30, 2024

Contents written below may be triggering for some. If you are experiencing distress, please contact the support numbers below. Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419Hope for Wellness Help Line (For Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310 Crisis services Canada: 1.833.456.4566 OR text: 45645  In…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, Social Justice

Why We Say No: Ecuadorian Indigenous women and rights defenders bring message of concern to Canada amid high-stakes trade negotiations

September 26, 2024

Toronto, September 26, 2024– Four women leaders on the front lines of increasingly dangerous efforts to protect rights and the environment in Ecuador will visit Canada next week to speak out against intensifying trade talks aimed at expanding Canadian resource…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Global South, Human Rights

Supreme Court decisions have “significant implications” on UNDRIP in Canadian law

August 21, 2024

Earlier this year, in two separate decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for Canadian law and policy.    Recently, the Coalition for the Human Rights of…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, UNDRIP Blog Updates

The UN Forum on Sustainable Development Goals – “A high sense of urgency is the strongest motivation we have.”

August 1, 2024

“Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been.”António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General From July 10-16, I had the opportunity to participate in the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on…

Post filed in: Corporate Accountability, Ecological Justice, Gender Justice, Human Rights

Uphold inherent sacredness to end the cycle of violence: the heart of the Canadian Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage

June 5, 2024

“A belief in the sacredness of life and that all people deserve to live in dignity and safety is what brings us here today,” said Leah Reesor-Keller, KAIROS’ Transitional Executive Director, in her opening remarks during the press conference on…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Palestine Israel Conflict, Social Justice

KAIROS Canada calls on Manitoba to Search the Landfill for Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran

August 11, 2023

KAIROS Canada joins Indigenous peoples, the faith community, civil society and others in the call for the Manitoban government to ensure that the bodies of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran return to their loved ones. Morgan and Marcedes were murdered…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights

In solidarity with asylum seekers and frontline churches and organizations

July 31, 2023

KAIROS Canada stands in solidarity with asylum seekers who have been forced to live on the streets of Toronto, and with the churches and frontline organizations that are assisting them. We call on all levels of government to respond appropriately…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Migrant Justice, Social Justice, Statements

Take Action to ensure that Canadian funding to the Government of the Philippines does not harm human rights defenders.

June 15, 2023

KAIROS joins the United Church and a growing number of churches and civil society organizations in expressing grave concern that the Canadian government is inadvertently enabling continued attacks on human rights and human rights defenders by providing financial, programmatic, and…

Post filed in: Global South, Human Rights, Philippines, Social Justice