Staff Report
ISLAMABAD/NEW York: United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has called for the protection of global human rights and dignity.
Human Rights Day
In his message on International Human Rights Day, the UN Secretary-General said human rights were the foundation for human dignity, inclusive, peaceful, equal, fair and prosperous societies.
Guterres said that human rights were a unifying force and a rallying cry, reflecting the most fundamental thing for humanity and human dignity.
The day marks the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration on Rights on December 10, 1948.
The UN chief said that the world was currently facing unprecedented and interlocking challenges, including increased hunger and poverty, shrinking civic space, and a dangerous decline in freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.
He said that trust in institutions was diminishing, especially among youngsters, and the Covid-19 pandemic also led to increased violence against women and girls.
The UN chief that racism, discrimination and intolerance were rampant and new rights violations and challenges were emerging globally amidst climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution bulge crises.
He said that the world is only beginning to grasp the threat posed to rights by evolving technologies. He said that the trying times called for a joint reignition of global commitment to all rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social liberties.
