Secretary-General's Message

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.