We ask for your mercy, Lover of Humanity, for our complicity in making 2014 a year of "historic failure" of human rights. All too often we have been so wrapped up and consumed by our work and family life that we have turned away from the humanitarian and refugee crises around the world. Forgive us for this spiritual irresponsibility as global citizens and give us the moral and ethical strength and courage to change our ways.

REPORT: In its annual report Amnesty International characterized 2014 as a low in human rights. It was "devastating" for civilians caught in the cross-hairs of war, and governments "failed miserably" to protect those most in need. "Government leaders have justified horrific human rights violations by talking of the need to keep the country 'safe'," states the report. "In reality, the opposite is the case. Such violations are one important reason why we live in such a dangerous world today. There can be no security without human rights." Amnesty International cites such events as the ongoing crisis in Syria, Israel's war against Gaza, the rise of non-state aggressors such as the Islamic State and Boko Haram, the Ukrainian conflict, and disappearances in Mexico as the more significant conflicts of the year. It says millions of citizens were killed last year while the number of displaced people around the world exceeded 50 million for the first time since the end of World War II. (commondreams.org)

Source of Light and Human Transformation, help us to make a difference by doing one or more of actions for human rights suggested by Amnesty International:

1. Sign a petition.
2. Volunteer.
3. Organize a group.
4. Lead a lobby effort.
5. Shop for the cause
6. Visit the Amnesty International website for more suggestions. We can and must do what is necessary to improve the state of human rights in our world.


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