Human rights day
Read more about the work of human rights defenders around the world.
“We have the right to live without violence and defend our natural resources.”
Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
We all have days when we feel overburdened. When everything just feels too much. We can feel weary at the never-ending to do lists in our own lives or worn down by the bigger problems facing our world as a whole.
Honduras is one of the most dangerous places on earth to be a human rights defender. Here CAFOD supports a local organisation that provides psychological and legal support to people who stand up for their right to land or for the protection of the environment.
Our vital support strengthens them through all the hard work and danger they face. Our partner also supports communities to learn better farming practices and to ensure that their right to land is legally recognised.
In one part of north-west Honduras, our partner and community members plant a tree whenever a human rights or environmental defender is killed. Together they reflect around the tree, remembering the person they have lost. The area where the trees are planted is considered sacred and it is also an important example of how to farm well and care for the land.
We pray today for the grace to help others to shoulder their burdens. Let us lighten their loads in whatever way we can, whether they are someone close to us or someone whose story we hear from around the world.
Advent prayer
Christ Jesus,
help us to turn to you
when we feel weighed down by our cares.
Give us the strength and compassion
to support others who are overburdened
and share their load.
Amen.
Act
On World Human Rights Day, be inspired by our article on the work of brave human rights defenders protecting their communities and our world.