UN CALLS WORLD TO STAND UP FOR ENSURING HUMAN RIGHTS

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on December 10, 2017, urges people and leaders everywhere to stand up for all human rights - civil, political, economic, social and cultural -- and for the values that underpin hopes for a fairer, safer and better world for all. Reuters file photo

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged people and leaders everywhere to stand up for all human rights - civil, political, economic, social and cultural -- and for the values that underpin hopes for a fairer, safer and better world for all.

“On this Human Rights Day, I want to acknowledge the brave human rights defenders and advocates, including UN staff, who work every day, sometimes in grave peril, to uphold human rights around the world,” he said.

The UN chief made the remark in a message on the occasion of International Human Rights Day that falls on December 10.

He said this year’s commemoration of Human Rights Day marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of seven decades since the adoption of one of the world's most profound and far-reaching international agreements.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the equality and dignity of every human being and stipulates that every government has a core duty to enable all people to enjoy all their inalienable rights and freedoms.

"All of us have a right to speak freely and participate in decisions that affect our lives. We all have a right to live free from all forms of discrimination. We have a right to education, health care, economic opportunities and a decent standard of living. We have rights to privacy and justice," said the UN Secretary General.