Guterres calls global citizens to be inspired by human rights advocates
Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 16th Dec. UN head António Guterres on Friday called on global citizens to draw inspiration from the work of human rights advocates across the world and defend all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Mr. Guterres stressed that rights defenders themselves were in need of greater protection at the awards ceremony of the UN Prize in the Field of Human Rights for 2023.
He said “The world needs leaders of countries, corporations, political parties, religious and civil organizations and beyond, to speak out against antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, attacks on minority Christian communities, and all forms of hate and abuse.”
Guterres added “It needs them to embrace our common norms and values, to act on them, and be guided by the spirit of humanity and dignity embodied by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to prevent conflict, protect the planet and heal divides,”.
It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1966, the UN Prize in the Field of Human Rights recognizes individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding achievement in human rights.
It was awarded in December 1968, the twentieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration, and every five years since, except for 1983.
Human Rights Center “Viasna”, based in Belarus; the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies, in Jordan; and a global coalition of civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, social movements and local communities advocating for a clean, healthy and sustainable environment were the awardees in the group.
The individual winners are Julienne Lusenge of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Julio Pereyra of Uruguay, UN stated .
The previous recipients include Malala Yousafzai (2013), Denis Mukwege (2008), former US President Jimmy Carter (1998), Nelson and Winnie Mandela (1988), Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King (posthumously, 1978), and Eleanor Roosevelt (posthumously, 1968).
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk introduced the winners, highlighted that the Prize celebrates human rights defenders and the enormous value they bring to societies globally.
“Human rights defenders are visionary agents of change. They see a better future for all of us, and they know how to make that future a reality,” he said.
He added that in challenging the status quo, they face themselves a multitude of risks, from harassment, to detention, enforced disappearance, torture and even death.
“For women human rights defenders, the risks they face can be even higher. They are targeted for their work and their gender,” he concluded his remarks.
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