Public Policy

Policies and practices related to such issues as migration, trafficking, food aid, foreign assistance, and HIV and AIDS all make an enormous impact on the lives of poor people around the globe. Specific countries on which our advocacy efforts are focused include Afghanistan, Colombia, the Holy Land and Sudan.

Catholic Relief Services complements its humanitarian and development activities with policy analysis and advocacy that seek to address root causes of poverty, conflict, and marginalization. CRS examines issues with a "justice lens," assessing social, economic, cultural, and political structures in the context of justice and based on the principles of the principles of Catholic social teaching, primarily the principle of protecting the dignity of the human person.

Based on this vision and the experience of CRS and local partners throughout the world, CRS focuses on issues that are dramatically impacting the safety and well-being of vulnerable people. CRS collaborates closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and other Catholic organizations to develop public policy positions and advocates for these policies with U.S. and international public and private decision-makers. Every policy CRS advocates for is rooted in Catholic social teaching.

Get Involved!

CRS encourages Catholics in the United States to be faithful citizens; to actively participate in the political process and help bring about policies and practices that benefit our brothers and sisters worldwide. CRS offers educational resources, promotes national campaigns and provides trainings, speakers and advocacy opportunities on key international development issues.

Please join us in shaping policies and practices that affect our global family, and raise your voice in solidarity with the world's poor.