On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Pope Francis has made a heartfelt appeal to global leaders to heed the cries for peace from millions of people deprived of their fundamental rights due to war. Marking the annual observance on December 10, he emphasized that the rights to life and peace are the foundation for the exercise of all other human rights.

Human Rights Day, commemorating the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serves as a reminder of the universal rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion. Pope Francis, through a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), described war as “the mother of all poverty” and called on governments to prioritize peace and justice.

 Pope’s call resonated with European Church leaders, who expressed deep concern over the increasing violations of human rights worldwide. The Conference of European Churches (CEC) noted alarming trends, including systemic injustices, discrimination, and the erosion of democracy and the rule of law.

CEC President Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain condemned “brutal offenses” and highlighted the responsibility of churches to serve and protect the vulnerable. He pointed to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and the Middle East as stark examples of human rights violations.

“Rising inequalities, violations of freedom of religion, and the plight of refugees and displaced persons demonstrate the fragility of past achievements,” said Archbishop Nikitas.

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, General Secretary of CEC, urged European governments and institutions to reaffirm their commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “European churches stand alongside those who suffer, advocating for justice and amplifying the call to protect human dignity,” he stated, emphasizing the transformative role of human rights in building peaceful coexistence.

The theme for this year’s Human Rights Day, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” highlights the crucial role of human rights in addressing global challenges. It underscores their preventive, protective, and transformative power as a force for good.

As the world reflects on the progress made and the work yet to be done, Pope Francis and European Churches remind us of the shared responsibility to uphold human dignity and ensure the universal protection of basic rights for all.