While pandemics and wars are devastating events, they are transient distractions compared to the magnitude of extreme poverty, grotesque inequality and environmental catastrophes that threaten our future, United Nations experts told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural), as delegates continued their debate on human rights today, holding a series of dialogues.
A lack of political will leaves minorities and the disadvantaged particularly vulnerable to human rights violations, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today, as experts called on Member States to protect minority, cultural, physical and mental health, safe drinking water and albino rights.
Measures to address reprisals against civil society actors and human rights defenders, the frightening increase in missing persons and the impact of unilateral coercive measures on already lagging economies were among topics addressed today by the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural), as it held a debate on the promotion and protection of human rights.
Climate change as a driver of migration, an increase in enforced disappearances, the misuse of digital technologies violating the right to privacy and educational disparities worldwide were among concerns addressed by human rights experts in the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today. With delegates raising questions on how to effectively protect affected populations during interactive dialogues.
Violent conflict, climate change, development-induced displacement and exacerbated inequity between the Global North and Global South render the right to development almost impossible to attain, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today, as delegates also expressed concern over the vulnerability of displaced persons in Ukraine, Syria, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Mexico.
While steps are being taken to empower and recognize the painful history of indigenous peoples, they are still disproportionately affected by poverty and climate change, the Third Committee (Social Humanitarian, Cultural) heard today as it took up the rights of indigenous peoples.
Coinciding with the tenth International Day of the Girl Child, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) continued its debate on the rights of children today, with delegates highlighting the special vulnerability of girls to violence, discrimination and harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage.
The world is facing the worst hunger crisis, with an estimate of 149 million children — nearly one in five — chronically malnourished, the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) heard today, as delegates continued their general discussion on the rights of children.
Impoverished children and those displaced by conflict or climate change continue to bear the brunt of post-pandemic economic crises and global conflicts, speakers told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today, as it took up the rights of children.
