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October 4, 2024 — Human Rights, Indigenous Rights


KAIROS and member churches call on Canada to support the peace process in the Philippenes

October 3, 2024

KAIROS and  the heads of The United Church of Canada, The Anglican Church of Canada, The Evangelical Church in Canada, Development and Peace, The Presbyterian Church in Canada and The Philippine Independent Church have sent a letter to Minister Joly…

Post filed in: Global South, Human Rights

Now available! KAIROS’ 2022-2023 Annual Report – “not just an organization but a movement”

October 1, 2024

KAIROS is pleased to release its 2022-2023 Annual Report, which showcases two years of notable milestones and actions that have meaningfully engaged hundreds of thousands of participants in Canada and globally, despite the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  During…

Post filed in: Annual Report

October 7 – lament, pray, act for peace in Palestine and Israel

October 1, 2024

For a year, we have pleaded for peace in Palestine and Israel and urged our government to unequivocally withdraw support for the armed conflict, which has led to devastating humanitarian consequences. We have mobilized churches throughout Canada and brought church…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Middle East, Social Justice

Orange stands for resilience. Honouring the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 30, 2024

Contents written below may be triggering for some. If you are experiencing distress, please contact the support numbers below. Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419Hope for Wellness Help Line (For Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310 Crisis services Canada: 1.833.456.4566 OR text: 45645  In…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, Social Justice

Why We Say No: Ecuadorian Indigenous women and rights defenders bring message of concern to Canada amid high-stakes trade negotiations

September 26, 2024

Toronto, September 26, 2024– Four women leaders on the front lines of increasingly dangerous efforts to protect rights and the environment in Ecuador will visit Canada next week to speak out against intensifying trade talks aimed at expanding Canadian resource…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Global South, Human Rights

KAIROS mourns the passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick

September 24, 2024

KAIROS joins countless others in mourning the loss of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Cathy Merrick who died suddenly after collapsing outside Winnipeg court on September 6. In 2022, Merrick was appointed as the first female Grand Chief…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights, Statements

Proudly supporting Indigenous women leaders and human rights defender delegation from Ecuador

September 23, 2024

“This is why we say No!” is the call to action that is mobilizing four courageous Indigenous women leaders and human rights defenders from Ecuador to come to Canada, September 28-October 6. They take this journey to share their concerns…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Global South

Supreme Court decisions have “significant implications” on UNDRIP in Canadian law

August 21, 2024

Earlier this year, in two separate decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for Canadian law and policy.    Recently, the Coalition for the Human Rights of…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Indigenous Rights, UNDRIP Blog Updates

The UN Forum on Sustainable Development Goals – “A high sense of urgency is the strongest motivation we have.”

August 1, 2024

“Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been.”António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General From July 10-16, I had the opportunity to participate in the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on…

Post filed in: Corporate Accountability, Ecological Justice, Gender Justice, Human Rights

OFP & KAIROS grieve and denounce the assassination of one of their leaders and colleagues

July 2, 2024

On June 27, KAIROS learned from the Organización Femenina Popular (OFP), our partner in Colombia, that their colleague, leader and community organizer, Yoli Maria Toloza Cardoza in Puerto Wilches, was assassinated in her home. They wrote:   “On June 27 at…

Post filed in: Gender Justice/Women of Courage

Environmental Racism legislation passes into law!

June 28, 2024

At long last, legislation to address environmental racism has been passed into law!  Bill C-226 passed third reading in the Senate on June 13 and received Royal Assent on June 20.  The bill is an Act respecting the development of…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice

Read KAIROS WPS’ six transformative years – At a Glance

June 24, 2024

Français – Español It was a remarkable 6-year journey that involved more than 36,000 (mostly women) participants and had significant outcomes. Funded by the Government of Canada and donations from member churches and Canadians, the Women of Courage: Women, Peace…

Post filed in: WPS

KAIROS Times: June 2024

June 10, 2024

Post filed in: KAIROS Times

Enriching gathering in Mi’kma’ki feeds the work of KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle and Partners

June 5, 2024

In April, KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle (KIRC) held enriching meetings and site visits at Millbrook First Nation in Mi’kma’ki. The three-day gathering was held at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre which houses several displays of Mi’kmaw history and culture….

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights

A Miracle Story of Repatriation

June 5, 2024

On our first day of the KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle meeting on Millbrook First Nation in Truro, Nova Scotia, April 3, we listened in awe to the story of Heather Stevens, Manager of the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre, recounting the…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights

Uphold inherent sacredness to end the cycle of violence: the heart of the Canadian Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage

June 5, 2024

“A belief in the sacredness of life and that all people deserve to live in dignity and safety is what brings us here today,” said Leah Reesor-Keller, KAIROS’ Transitional Executive Director, in her opening remarks during the press conference on…

Post filed in: Human Rights, Palestine Israel Conflict, Social Justice

A season of connection, a season of change – Indigenous Peoples Month Reflection

June 5, 2024

Summer solstice quickly approaches. This is a time of great meaning for Indigenous Peoples. The day isn’t simply a day to mark the longest day of the year, the beginning of summer and the time for barbeques and beaches. Like…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights, Spirited Reflections

KAIROS’ unionized staff go national!

June 5, 2024

Local 4557 has represented KAIROS’ workers (non-management) since the organization’s beginning. KAIROS’ and the Local’s first collective agreement was ratified in April 2003.  CUPE – which stands for the Canadian Union of Public Employees – is Canada’s largest union, representing…

Post filed in: Media Releases

A big win and possible win for migrant workers

June 4, 2024

KAIROS celebrates Canada’s announcement that it will offer permanent residency to migrant caregivers upon arrival in Canada, while holding its breath in anticipation of an announcement of a regularization program for people who are undocumented.  Permanant residency for migrant caregivers…

Post filed in: Migrant Justice

Strengthening Voices for a Just Transition – Saskatoon Community Dialogue

June 4, 2024

On May 25, KAIROS hosted the first of four community dialogues on just transition at the Wanuskewin Centre in Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Métis. The dialogue was convened as part of KAIROS’ Strengthening Voices for a Just…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Just Transition

Lara’s spirit walks on

May 30, 2024

By Luke Stocking Lara’s spirit walks on (catholicregister.org)

Post filed in: Palestine Israel Conflict

Christian leaders urge Canada to end cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine

May 23, 2024

In January, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip. The government of Israel is not following this order. Since the ICJ’s ruling, about 9,000 Gazans have been killed,…

Post filed in: Op Eds

Media Release:Canadian church leaders walk to Parliament Hill for sustained Gaza ceasefire, May 22

May 21, 2024

(Unceded Algonquin Territory [Ottawa, ON]) – In a call for a lasting and just peace in the Middle East, leaders from several national churches will converge on Parliament Hill on May 22, at the end of a Week of Action…

Post filed in: Media Releases

Communiqué de Presse:Des dirigeant·e·s d’Églises canadiennes marchent vers la Colline du Parlement pour réclamer un cessez-le-feu durable à Gaza, le 22 mai

May 21, 2024

(Territoire algonquin non cédé [Ottawa, ON]) – Dans un appel à une paix juste et durable au Moyen-Orient, des dirigeantes de plusieurs Églises nationales convergeront vers la Colline du Parlement le 22 mai, à la fin d’une semaine d’action qui…

Post filed in: Media Releases

Avis aux médias: Les responsables d’églises nationales se réunissent demain sur la Colline du Parlement

May 21, 2024

(Territoire algonquin non cédé [Ottawa, ON]). Partout au Canada, des congrégations et des communautés de foi se mobilisent pour une paix juste en Palestine et en Israël en participant à des pèlerinages locaux – en marchant ou en roulant ensemble…

Post filed in: Media Releases

Media advisory: National church leaders gather on Parliament Hill tomorrow

May 21, 2024

(Unceded Algonquin Territory [Ottawa, ON]) – Across Canada, congregations and communities of faith are mobilizing for a just peace in Palestine and Israel by participating in local pilgrimages – walking or rolling together for all or part of 41 kilometres,…

Post filed in: Media Releases

Avis aux médias: Les dirigeants des Églises nationales délivrent un message de paix sur Gaza à la Tribune de la presse nationale, le 22 mai

May 16, 2024

(Territoire algonquin non cédé [Ottawa, ON]). Des dirigeants d’Églises canadiennes se rendront sur la Colline du Parlement le 22 mai pour exhorter les parlementaires à soutenir la construction d’une paix durable en Palestine et en Israël. Ils font partie d’un…

Post filed in: Media Releases