“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

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The iconic opening sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is as important today as it was when it was adopted 75 years ago.

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The Universal Declaration is a roadmap, helping to end wars, heal divisions and promote lives of peace and dignity for all.

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But the world is losing its way. Conflicts are raging. Poverty and hunger are increasing. Inequalities are deepening. The climate crisis is a human rights crisis that is hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

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Authoritarianism is on the rise.

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Civic space is shrinking and the media is under attack from all sides.

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Gender equality remains a distant dream and women’s reproductive rights are being rolled back. 

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Today, it is more important than ever to promote and respect all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil and political – which protect us all.

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The Universal Declaration shows the way to common values and approaches that can help resolve tensions and create the security and stability our world craves.

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As we work to update global frameworks and make them more effective in the 21st century, human rights must have a unique and central role.  

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I call on Member States to use this 75th anniversary, and the Summit of the Future next year, to strengthen their commitment to the timeless values of the Universal Declaration.

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And on Human Rights Day, I urge people around the world to promote and respect human rights, every day, for everyone, everywhere.