The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres says the world body will continue to work for justice, equality, dignity and human rights for all.
He stated this in his message read by Mr Aver Gaver, to commemorate the 2021 Human Rights Day being observed on December 10 every year.
According to the UN envoy, the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of human rights remain the key to realizing all human rights-civil, economic, cultural, social and political for all people everywhere in the world.
He also stated that the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the expansion of digital technology into all areas of our lives have created new threats to human rights.
Mr. Guterres also added that recovery from the pandemic must be an opportunity to expand human rights and freedoms, and to rebuild trust.
’’Public space is shrinking. Exclusion and discrimination are rampant. Millions of children are missing out on their right to education’’ he echoed.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, in Nigeria, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, represented by Mr. Harry Oguche noted that violence against women and girls is one of the most human rights violations.
The Chief Human Rights Officer in the country stated this during the Road Walk to commemorate the 2021 International Day with the theme; Equality-Reducing Inequalities, Advancing Human Rights, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He added that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights, hence ending violence against women and children is everyone’s business because it transcends borders and cultures.
‘’Ending and prevention of violence against women and children should start in the early life by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality’’ he said.
Mr. Ojukwu also expressed concern that violence against women and girls remains largely unreported by the victims due to stigma and shame attached to it.
’’ Each year, members of the UN embark on activism globally to raise awareness and make demands for a call to action on ending violence against women and girls’’
The road walk was to draw the attention of the public to play their role on issues of concern, address global issues, celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
Nnenna.O
