Paraguay's Cardinal urges constitutional rights not to remain 'on paper'

As Paraguay's Constitution celebrates its 34th anniversary, Cardinal Adalberto Martínez has issued a call for its principles to be fully realized in the lives of citizens. Speaking during a homily, Martínez emphasized that the rights enshrined in the Constitution should not be confined to mere text but must translate into tangible improvements in equity, justice, and opportunities for everyone.

"It is not enough to admire the nobility of the principles written in the Constitution. It is necessary that the letter becomes life," Martínez stated. He specifically pointed to Article 64, which recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to possess land in sufficient quantity and quality for their cultural preservation and development. The Cardinal questioned whether these rights are genuinely respected or if they are often sidelined by economic or corporate interests.

Martínez urged that the Constitution serve as a tool to guarantee freedom, justice, equality, and general well-being for all Paraguayans, particularly the most vulnerable. He cautioned against its use to justify privileges or entrench inequalities, stressing the ongoing challenge of transforming legal provisions into concrete realities for the entire population.

The Paraguayan Constitution, enacted in 1992 following the fall of Alfredo Stroessner's dictatorship, has remained largely unchanged, with a minor amendment in 2011 concerning overseas voting. Its enduring presence underscores the nation's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, a commitment Cardinal Martínez seeks to reinforce through his call for active implementation of its guarantees.