The decline of human fraternity: violations of human rights

Thinking about human rights in the light of the Gospel, what comes to my mind is Jesus’ encounter with the adulterous woman, narrated in John 8:1-11. Jesus did not judge or condemn her. Instead, he confronted customary systems that were blind to the male misdeeds, but harsh to female shortcomings.

Violence and insecurity, past and present

“Homo homini lupus est” is a Latin proverb that means “man is a wolf to man”. In the past, human beings behaved like wolves towards their fellow creatures, and this behaviour continues to this day. The violence and insecurity that are spreading around the world are a case in point.

Violence and insecurity : an obstacle to development, peace and prosperity

Mali is going through a deep crisis because of insecurity due to conflicts that are leading to violence such as inter- and intra-community tensions in the country. Acts of violence against the civilian population continue to increase in different regions of Mali and civilians continue to pay the heaviest price for conflicts, violence and attacks by armed groups that are causing great loss of lives and properties.

Have you rejected South Sudan altogether? Does your very soul revolt at her?

When, in 2021, my appointment to South Sudan became known, I received a couple of messages ranging from inspiring prayerful wishes to nerve-wrecking comments on South Sudan. Someone said “there is so much violence in that country, I wish you wouldn’t have to go there”. Another regrettably asked “why are you always appointed to war-torn countries?