Every December 10, Human Rights Day is celebrated around the world to commemorate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 1948.
The UDHR, the world’s most translated document, is a landmark document that enshrines the inalienable rights that every person has as a human being, without discrimination. The UDHR represents “a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations” and a foundation for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ahead of International Human Rights Day 2025, the United Nations has launched the “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” campaign. The aim is to re-engage people with human rights, in times of uncertainty and insecurity where it is easy to take them for granted.
The defense of human dignity is a fundamental pillar of the Vedruna charism. Therefore, on International Human Rights Day we renew our conviction that every person deserves to be recognized, protected and accompanied in his or her integrity. The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC) encourages this commitment by promoting awareness, prophetic denunciation of any form of injustice and networking with those who seek a more equitable and fraternal world. From an integral spirituality that connects us with God, with people and with all creation, we continue sowing peace, caring for life and defending the rights of those who are most threatened.
These are some of the actions for the defense of Human Rights that are currently being carried out in the different Vedruna communities around the world:
Defense of decent housing in the Province of Europe
With the campaign “For a present with decent housing”, the Vedruna Europa Province makes the housing emergency visible and promotes the right to decent housing for all people. The initiative offers a prophetic view: housing not as a market good, but as a human home, safe and with dignity; not as a commodity, but as a right. We encourage you to read the testimony, the manifesto and the concrete proposals for solidarity, social justice and community – an invitation to transform our commitment into real action.
Recognition for good environmental and social practices to a Vedruna school
Santa Cruz School, in Maringá, Brazil, has received the Ipê Prata Seal: a recognition granted by the Municipality of Maringá and the Ipplam Institute to organizations that stand out for their good environmental and social practices, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition shows that our charism can be translated into concrete gestures of care for creation and commitment to the dignity of people. An inspiring example of how the Vedruna mission is lived today from the school.
Education and awareness of children’s rights
At the Tahanan Vedruna residence in the Philippines, an event entitled “Defending Children: A Celebration of Hope” was held to highlight and protect children’s rights. The day combined acts of awareness, accompaniment and hope, reaffirming how JPIC’s work is not abstract: it seeks to transform concrete realities, protect vulnerable lives and build a future with dignity for children.
For its part, the Kekeli Center organized a day of celebration, awareness and education with children, designed to promote awareness of their rights and dignity. Through playful, formative and community activities, the value of childhood as a priority was reinforced, showing Vedruna’s commitment to accompany and defend those who are most vulnerable.
Commitment to peace in Japan
From the Province of Japan, the Vedruna community expresses its firm commitment to peace, offering its concrete contribution in a context marked by fragility and suffering. This news makes visible how our vocation transcends borders and cultures, and becomes a gesture of solidarity, hope and denunciation of violence, at the service of human dignity. The article is part of the magazine Dialogue and Encounter, whose 37th issue is entitled “Peace, the fruit of justice”.
Vedruna Family – towards COP30: a call for climate justice
On the occasion of COP30, the Vedruna Family unites to defend climate justice and rekindle its commitment to sustainability and care for creation. Through this call, we reaffirm that ecology, social justice and integral spirituality are inseparable: our mission is also translated into action for the Earth we inhabit.
