UN chief Guterres launches global human rights action plan
(dpa)
Geneva (dpa) - Governments around the world must put human rights at the centre of their work if they want to protect stability, growth and the future of our planet, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday as he launched a global action plan on rights.
Guterres drew up the plan because "human rights are under assault," he told foreign ministers as he opened a UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva.
In addition to war crimes, exploitation of women, persecution of activists, and vilification of minorities, the world also faces new human rights challenges in the form of climate change and technological advances, Guterres said.
"People are being left behind. Fears are growing. Divisions are widening," the UN chief said, warning that some leaders are exploiting anxieties.
"People across the world want to know we are on their side," Guterres said, setting out his multi-point plan.
Governments should put human rights at the centre of economic development efforts, to let all parts of society benefit from growth.
Countries also need to do a better job at protecting rights in times of crisis, such was wars, terrorist attacks or disasters, he said.
In addition, Guterres demanded that women, civil society and youth groups must get a bigger say in politics.
The secretary general also warned that "new technologies are too often used to violate rights and privacy," calling for measures to fight surveillance, repression, online harassment and hate.
In addition to war crimes, exploitation of women, persecution of activists, and vilification of minorities, the world also faces new human rights challenges in the form of climate change and technological advances, Guterres said.
"People are being left behind. Fears are growing. Divisions are widening," the UN chief said, warning that some leaders are exploiting anxieties.
"People across the world want to know we are on their side," Guterres said, setting out his multi-point plan.
Governments should put human rights at the centre of economic development efforts, to let all parts of society benefit from growth.
Countries also need to do a better job at protecting rights in times of crisis, such was wars, terrorist attacks or disasters, he said.
In addition, Guterres demanded that women, civil society and youth groups must get a bigger say in politics.
The secretary general also warned that "new technologies are too often used to violate rights and privacy," calling for measures to fight surveillance, repression, online harassment and hate.
Notepad