Secretary-General Stresses ‘Standing Up for Human Rights for All’, in 100-Day Countdown to International Peace Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace, observed on 21 September:

The International Day of Peace, observed every year on 21 September, embodies our shared aspiration to end conflict in all its forms and to safeguard the human rights of all people.  It is a day on which the United Nations calls for a 24-hour global ceasefire, with the hope that one day in our lifetime we will witness an end to violence.

Yet there is more to achieving peace than laying down weapons.  True peace requires standing up for the human rights of all the world’s people.  That is why this year’s theme for the International Day of Peace is:  “The Right to Peace — The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70”.

As the observance approaches, let us redouble our efforts to address the root causes of conflict and advance our work for the Sustainable Development Goals, including by promoting inclusive societies, providing access to justice and building accountable institutions.

Let us stand up for human rights for all in the name of peace for all.