Human rights under assault worldwide: United Nations chief

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres calls human rights the ultimate tool to help societies grow in freedom.  He laments the erosion of these rights, noting that no country is immune.

“Human rights are under assault,” said the secretary-general as he opened the UN Human Rights Council’s main annual session in Geneva.

Human rights expand hope, enlarge possibilities & unleash the best of ourselves and our world. But they're under assault.

That’s why I am launching the Human Rights Call to Action.
We must work together to realize humanity’s highest aspiration: all human rights for all people. pic.twitter.com/AXvX8PSq6Y

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— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2020

“We see civilians trapped in war-torn enclaves, starved and bombarded in clear violation of international law,” Guterres said. “Human trafficking affecting every region in the world, preying on vulnerability and despair… People are being left behind.  Fears are growing.  Divisions are widening.  And, some leaders are exploiting anxieties to broaden those gaps to the breaking point.”

According to the details, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet also stressed the need for urgent action on human rights.

I thank UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres for launching a Human Rights Call to Action at #HRC43. Upholding all human rights for all can guide us to justice, peace and sustainable development. https://t.co/HCuBpSVse4

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— Michelle Bachelet (@mbachelet) February 24, 2020

“Let us not deliver to our young people and to their children an uncontrollable firestorm of intersecting and escalating human rights crises,” she told the council.

Guterres launched a “call to action” to “people everywhere” to take action in seven areas — including halting violence against women and girls, boosting protection for people trapped in conflict and recognising the challenges created by the climate crisis and new technologies.

“We see a push back against women’s rights, alarming levels of femicide, attacks on women human rights defenders, and the persistence of laws and policies that perpetuate subjugation and exclusion,” Guterres said

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“Human rights are the birthright of every person and in the interest of every country. They ensure stability. They build solidarity. They promote inclusion and growth,” — @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres to the #HRC43 pic.twitter.com/DkfQIfyh4C

— UN Geneva (@UNGeneva) February 24, 2020