Global Solidarity

May 1—International Workers’ Day International Workers’ Day is a special day to honor workers around the world as they continue to struggle for safe working conditions, a living wage, an 8-hour working day, respect and recognition for their contributions to the common good, and an end to child labor. Many workers also continue to struggle to organize themselves so that they can share their concerns with management and employers without retribution. Paid sick leave and job security following illness or on-the-job injury are still not available to many workers. Even in those countries where union organizing and workers rights [...]

April 4—International Day of Landmine Awareness & Assistance in Mine ActionThis day is a special day to raise awareness of the dangers posed by landmines and other unexploded munitions and to take action to eliminate their use.  The 2022 theme for this special day is “Together for Mine Action: Give Life Back.” Each year thousands of civilians are killed or maimed by landmine explosions, often in areas of the world where armed conflict has ceased.  These unexploded munitions can endanger people as they plant crops in their fields, travel along roadsides to fetch food or water, travel to and from [...]

 March 8—International Women’s DayInternational Women's Day (IWD) on March 8 is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. This is a day to dream and work towards a world free from gender bias, stereotypes and discrimination that can rob us of women’s gifts and creativity. It is a day to work towards a world that is inclusive, equitable, and celebrates diversity. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals recognize that women have a significant role in creating a sustainable future for our world. In order [...]

February 6—International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women. In addition, the medical risks, including severe blood loss, infections, pain, later complications during childbirth, and possible long-term negative psychological effects, are well recognized.  Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, female genital mutilation is a universal problem and continues to persist amongst immigrant populations living in [...]

January 1—World Day of Peace 2022 marks the 55th annual World Day of Peace.  The theme is “Education, work and dialogue between generations: tools for building lasting peace.” In this year’s address, the Pope Francis outlines three paths for building a lasting peace:  promoting dialogue between generations, investing in education, and improving labor conditions.  Francis observes that in recent years, there has been a significant reduction in education funding, while military spending has escalated, now surpassing even cold war levels.  He calls for educational spending to be viewed as an investment, rather than as an expenditure.  This investment in our [...]

December 1 - World AIDs DayDecember 1, 2021 marks the 33rd global World AIDS Day to raise awareness about the continued AIDS pandemic. This year’s theme is “End Inequalities—End AIDS”. Catholic Social Teaching calls us to recognize and  celebrate the human dignity and worth of every person.  Stigma, discrimination, and criminalization of key at risk populations must be addressed and eliminated if we are to end this AIDS pandemic. Gender inequalities have also contributed to the increase in HIV infections among women and girls. Every week, about 5000 young women aged 15-24 become infected with HIV. Worldwide, about 35% of [...]