UN chief Antonio Guterres. Human Rights Day: UN chief calls for standing up for rights – now and always Human Rights
Today we face the harsh truth: human rights are under threat. This is stated in the message of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the occasion of Human Rights Day.
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually around the world on December 10. It is dedicated to the date of the adoption of one of the most significant global commitments – the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, the Day is held under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Now.”
According to the head of the UN, tens of millions of people continue to suffer from poverty and hunger, while health care and education systems are in a critical state, and inequality in the world has reached alarming proportions. Moreover, conflicts are escalating, international law is being deliberately ignored, and authoritarianism is gaining ground.
“This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are essential to building the future – right now,” said the Secretary-General.
He stressed that when one right is undermined, all are undermined, be they economic, social, civil, cultural or political. Therefore, it is necessary to defend all rights – at all times.
The head of the UN called on the world community to act decisively: to resolve differences and strengthen peace, fight poverty and hunger, ensure access to medicine and education, protect democracy, freedom of the press, the rights of women and workers, defend the right to a clean environment, and support human rights defenders.
“The recently adopted Pact for the Future reaffirmed the world community’s strong commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this memorable day, I call on everyone to protect, defend and uphold all human rights for all people,” Guterres concluded his address.