António Guterres (UN Secretary-General) on Human Rights Day

<div><p>Our world is at a crossroads.  </p></div><div><p>The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the expansion of digital technology into all areas of our lives have created new threats to human rights.  </p></div><div><p>Exclusion and discrimination are rampant.  </p></div><div><p>Public space is shrinking.  </p></div><div><p>Poverty and hunger are rising for the first time in decades.  </p></div><div><p>Millions of children are missing out on their right to education.  </p></div><div><p>Inequality is deepening.  </p></div><div><p>But we can choose a different path.  </p></div><div><p><span>Seventy-three years ago today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.</span> </p></div><div><p><span>The principles set out in this simple Declaration remain the key to realizing all human rights – civil, economic, cultural, social, and political – for all people, everywhere. </span> </p></div><div><p>Recovery from the pandemic must be an opportunity to expand human rights and freedoms, and to rebuild trust.  </p></div><div><p>Trust in the justice and impartiality of laws and institutions.  </p></div><div><p><span>Confidence that a life of dignity is within reach. </span> </p></div><div><p><span>Faith that people can get a fair hearing and resolve their grievances peacefully.</span> </p></div><div><p><span>The United Nations stands for the rights of every member of our human family. </span> </p></div><div><p><span>Today and every day, we will continue to work for justice, equality, dignity and human rights for all. </span> </p></div><div><p>Happy Human Rights Day.  </p></div>