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38
Global Solidarity
90. The increasing interconnectedness of our world calls for a moral response,
the virtue of solidarity. In the words of St. John Paul II, “Solidarity is a firm and
persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (
Sollicitudo
Rei Socialis
, no. 38). A more just world will likely be a more peaceful world,
a world less vulnerable to terrorism and other violence. The United States
has the responsibility to take the lead in addressing the scandal of
poverty
and underdevelopment.
Our nation should help to
humanize globalization
,
addressing its negative consequences and spreading its benefits, especially
among the world’s poor. The United States also has a unique opportunity to use
its power in partnership with others to build a more just and peaceful world.
•
The United States should take a leading role in helping to
alleviate global
poverty
through substantially increased development aid for the poorest
countries, more equitable trade policies, and continuing efforts to relieve
the crushing burdens of debt and disease.
•
US policy should promote
religious liberty
and other basic
human rights
.
In particular, US policy should promote and defend the rights of religious
minorities throughout the world, especially in regions where people of
faith are threatened by violence simply because of their faith.
•
The United States should provide political and financial support for
beneficial
United Nations
programs and reforms, for other
international
bodies
, and for international law, so that together these institutions may
become more responsible and responsive agents for addressing global
problems.
•
Asylum should be afforded to refugees who hold a well-founded fear of
persecution in their homelands. Our country should support protection
for persons fleeing persecution through safe haven in other countries,
including the United States, especially for unaccompanied children,
women, victims of human trafficking, and religious minorities.
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