The dignity of the human person, created in the likeness of God, is at
the heart of Catholic Social Teaching. In practice we see that the dignity
and rights of many people in Australia and around the world are violated
or disrespected. We are challenged to work for societies in which human
rights are respected, protected and promoted.
“A just society can become a reality only when it is based
on the respect of the transcendent dignity of the human person. The
person represents
the ultimate end of society, by which it is ordered to the person.”
Pontifical Council for Justice & Peace, Compendium
of the Social Doctrine of the Church, n 132.
Catholic Social Teaching
New Zealand Bishops Support Action on Cluster Munitions
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference has thrown its weight behind a campaign to ban cluster munitions. [More..]
Archbishop
Examines the ‘Grammar of Peace’ Archbishop Dennis
Hart reflects in Kairos Magazine on the Pope’s World Day of Peace
Message, drawing out what Benedict XVI means by a ‘grammar of peace’.
Respect
for Human Rights: The Secret of True Peace In this message for the
World Day of Peace, 1999, John Paul II explored the connection between
respect for human rights and peace.
Bishops
Call for Justice for Hicks The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for David Hicks
to be given a prompt and just trial, or be returned to Australia. Read their
statement at http://www.acbc.catholic.org.au/documents/200612011203.pdf
Previous
statements and background information from the Australian Catholic Social
Justice Council can be found at http://www.acsjc.org.au/content/mediareleases.html
World Day of Peace Message 2007 The Human Person, Heart of Peace For the full text of the message, click here. For a summary and discussion guide, click here. For a PowerPoint reflection featuring quotes from the Message, click here
Japanese
Bishops Back Separation of Government & Religion The Catholic Bishops of Japan have appealed for changes to the constitution
to guarantee the separation of government and religion recalling that
many people were forced to pay homage at controversial Yasukuni shrine in
the
name of "social courtesy" before and during the wars.
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Chapter Three For an overview of Catholic Social Teaching on human rights, see Chapter Three of the Compendium.
Tools for Action
Work Out
Your Rights This website is presented by the national Human Rights
and Equal Opportunity Commission. It helps employees to understand the legal
protection of their right not to be discriminated against in employment on
the basis of race, sex, age or disability.
Human
Rights & Development: Holding Donors Accountable This online course
has been developed by the Human Rights Council of Australia and the Asian
Centre for the Progress of Peoples to help organizations to use the international
human rights framework in the promotion of social justice and development.
International
Action for UN Special Procedures A number of international
non government organizations, including Franciscans International,
have organized a petition to support the United Nations’ Special
Procedures. To find out more about how these procedures protect human
rights, and how you might take action, visit www.amnesty.ca/specialprocedures/
International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture
On 26 June 1987 the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment entered into force. On this day we remember the survivors of torture and trauma among the refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
Stories & Reflections
From
Rejection to Proclamation This article, prepared for the Australian
Catholic Social Justice Council for the 50th anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, sketches the development of the Church’s
thinking about human rights.
Background Information
Disability Convention Comes into Force
The International Convention on Human Rights and Disability came into force on 3 May. Australia has signed, but not yet ratified the Convention. For more information, including a link to Handicap International’s training kit on the Convention, visit http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/convention.htm.
Climate Change & Human Rights This Background Paper from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission provides a rights analysis of the impact of climate change, and demonstrates how a human rights approach to adaptation policies might function.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Adopted The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration with only four countries – including Australia – voting against it. For details of the process, click here.
Organisations
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
International Service for Human Rights
Franciscans International
