I write to you not only as a Catholic educator but as a fellow human being who has seen how easily history repeats itself when we fail to learn. I offer these proposals in the hope that we, as global citizens, can take responsibility for shaping a more just and humane world. At the heart of everything what I propose is one simple conviction: moral accountability—above just legal accountability—must be real, shared, and acted upon.

1. Name and frame the wrong clearly.

I believe everything begins with honesty. Too often, harmful actions are hidden behind polite or technical language—”security,” “stability,” or “economic necessity.” But if we are serious about justice, we must call things what they are. If there is aggression or war crimes, we must name them. If there is exploitation or environmental destruction, we must not soften it with words. Truth is the starting point. Without it, socioeconomic injustice hides in plain sight and continues unchallenged.

2. Link power to responsibility.

I hold that the more power a nation or institution has, the greater its responsibility should be. Those with economic strength, military force, or technological influence shape the lives of millions. When they act unjustly, the damage is far greater. Power should never be an excuse for exemption. Au contraire, power should be a reason for deeper accountability.

3. Turn moral claims into legal action.

It is not enough for us to say something is ethically wrong; we must ensure that wrongdoing has consequences. I believe we must support systems of international law—courts, treaties, and agreements—that turn moral principles into enforceable rules. Justice must move beyond words and become something that can be pursued, defended, and upheld.

4. Strengthen institutions that enforce norms.

For accountability to work, our global institutions must be strong, fair, and trustworthy. If they are weak or biased, justice becomes selective. I urge that we support, or better invest in, institutions that can act independently and transparently, so that the legal system and universal moral standard are applied to all—not just to the weak but also to the powerful.

5. Use economic and political pressure.

I recognize that nations respond to consequences. When unjust actions carry real costs—whether economic, political, or reputational—change becomes more likely. Sanctions, trade conditions, and diplomatic pressure are not perfect tools, but they can push governments to reconsider harmful behavior. Moral accountability must have weight in the real world.

6. Demand transparency and traceability.

In today’s complex global systems, responsibility is often hidden. I believe we must insist on transparency—clear information about decisions, policies, and their effects. Whether it is supply chains, complicity in aiding war, financial systems, or government actions, we need to see who is responsible and how decisions are made. Without visibility, there can be no real accountability.

7. Mobilize civil society, people power, and public opinion.

We have seen how powerful ordinary people can be when they act together. We have seen in the Philippines in 1986 and in Poland, Germany, and former USSR in 1989. Civil society, the media, and faith communities play a crucial role in exposing injustice and shaping public conscience. When people become aware and speak out, leaders are forced to listen. Change often begins not in halls of power but in the hearts and voices of the people (even of the voiceless ones).

8. Form conscience within systems.

I also believe accountability must come from within. Laws and institutions matter but they are not enough if the people inside them lack moral conviction. Leaders, soldiers, public servants, and citizens must be guided by conscience. When individuals refuse unjust orders or choose what is right over what is easy, they become agents of real change.

9. Provide paths for repair and reform.

Finally, I insist that accountability must lead somewhere. It is not enough to expose wrongdoing—we must also repair the harm and prevent it from happening again. This means restitution, policy change, and institutional reform. Justice is not only about punishment; it is about healing, restoration, and building a better future.

I must admit in humility, these proposals are easily said than done, but these are not just abstract ideas. They are urgent steps we must take if we are to avoid repeating the tragedies of the past. I offer them with hope, but also with a sense of responsibility. The world does not change on its own—we change it, together.

Let us choose to be accountable, not tomorrow, but today.

© Eurasia Review