Message on Human Rights Day | UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

Seventy-four years ago, in 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Today, the UN family joins the Government and people of Zimbabwe, and development partners to mark Human Rights Day.

This day also marks the end of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The 2022 Human Rights Day theme is – Stand up for Human Rights: Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All. 

As we mark Human Rights Day, we are reminded of what is contained in the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - that recognition of the inherent dignity; equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.

As we journey together towards achieving the milestones in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy, we must be mindful of the fact that only by standing up for universal human rights can we advance sustainable development, prevent violence, and sustain peace.  

The 2030 Agenda and its 17 goals range from ending poverty, hunger, inequality, to protecting the environment, advancing  peace and human rights for all.

The 2030 Agenda therefore seeks to ‘leave no one behind’ and ‘reach those furthest behind first’.

Human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals are therefore two sides of the same coin.

Despite progress made, we are still faced with diverse challenges in many areas.

The challenges include gender equality, youth engagement, racism, climate change, access to water, social protection, quality education and health to mention but a few.

In his transformative vision for human rights – the Call to Action for Human Rights – the UN Secretary General places dignity, freedom, and justice for all at the heart of our collective engagement to build a more sustainable, just, inclusive, and peaceful world.  

Indeed, in his message on Human Rights Day, the Secretary General said,

“Human rights are the foundation for human dignity, and the cornerstone of peaceful, inclusive, fair, equal, and prosperous societies. They are a unifying force and a rallying cry.

They reflect the most fundamental thing we share – our common humanity.”

Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the landmark Universal Declaration on Human Rights giving us a great opportunity for action.

Let us all use this milestone to reaffirm the universality, the inalienability, and the indivisibility of all human rights.

Let us all stand up for human rights for all.

Thank you.