Defending, Upholding Universal Human Rights Only Way to Address Abuses, Arocities, Secretary-General Says in Message for Concert

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the human rights concert organized by Onuart, in Geneva today:

Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, President of Fundación Onuart, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Congratulations on this commemoration of Human Rights Day.  I thank the Fundación Onuart for organizing this concert.  We are especially honoured to have Maestro Daniel Barenboim — an artistic genius and champion of humanity.

Abuses and atrocities can only be addressed by defending and upholding universal human rights.  Music is not only a powerful reminder of, but a critical tool to advance, our common humanity.

This spirit of global citizenship conveyed through the universal language of music is urgently needed in our world of rising xenophobia.  Demagogues and radical extremists are trying to exploit fears.  We must respond with hope and encouragement for all to act.

That is the purpose of the “Together” campaign which I launched to promote respect, safety and dignity for all people.

I hope this concert inspires you to join our international push for compassion.  All of you can help to break barriers and build bridges.

Let us work ceaselessly for human rights, human dignity and peace worldwide.