UN Secretary-General António Guterres has often described human rights as “the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies”. However, in his message for World Human Rights Day 2024, he is lamenting the fact that, “Human rights are under assault.”
In his message, the UN Secretary General lists how in people’s everyday lives, their human rights—as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—are being eroded and infringed, and as such, the world is moving farther away from the ideal vision of peace, justice, dignity, prosperity and inclusivity in all societies for all peoples.
World Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10. This year, the theme is ‘Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now’, and the UN Secretary General is reminding global leaders that, “All human rights are indivisible...”
“On this important day, let’s protect, defend and uphold all human rights for all people,” he urged, as he encouraged countries to be guided by the recently adopted Pact for the Future.
According to the Secretary General, countries around the world have an opportunity “to change perceptions by speaking up against hate speech, correcting misinformation and countering disinformation.”
He and the UN body are calling for “action to reinvigorate a global movement for human rights.”
Image courtesy United Nations via Facebook
The following is the full text of Mr Guterres’ message for World Human Rights Day 2024…
“On Human Rights Day, we face a harsh truth.
Human rights are under assault.
Tens of millions of people are mired in poverty, hunger, poor health and education systems that have not yet fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global inequalities are running rampant.
Conflicts are intensifying.
International law is wilfully ignored.
Authoritarianism is on the march while civic space is shrinking.
Hateful rhetoric is fuelling discrimination, division, and outright violence.
And women’s rights continue to be rolled back in law and practice.
This year’s theme reminds us that human rights are about building the future — right now.
All human rights are indivisible.
Whether economic, social, civic, cultural or political, when one right is undermined, all rights are undermined.
We must stand up for all rights — always.
Healing divisions and building peace.
Tackling the scourges of poverty and hunger.
Ensuring health care and education for all.
Advancing justice and equality for women, girls and minorities.
Standing up for democracy, press freedoms and workers’ rights.
Promoting the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
And defending human rights defenders as they carry out their vital work.
The recently adopted Pact for the Future reinforced the world’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
On this important day, let’s protect, defend and uphold all human rights for all people.”
