United Nations Day 2024; October 24th.

FORUM: “Marking the 79th Anniversary of the Organization.” United Nations Day 2024. The date of October 24th marks the entry into force of the United Nations Charter exactly 79 years ago. The United Nations serves as a global forum where countries can raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of war and peace. In addition to maintaining international peace and security, the Organization protects human rights, delivers humanitarian aid, promotes sustainable development and upholds international law. The pandemic is not the only issue the world faces. Racism, intolerance, inequality, climate change, poverty, hunger, armed conflict, and other ills remain global challenges. These challenges call for global action, and the General Assembly is a critical opportunity for all to come together and chart a course for the future. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #24October; #SDG16. #unday #cultureofpeace.

EVENTS: On October 24th will be held in the General Assembly Hall of the Organization at Headquarters, a concert with the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) to celebrate the United Nations Day 2024; Partners are organising an exciting programme on the topic “Culture of Peace”.

EXIBITIONS. Explore the UN Exhibits.

STATEMENT: Read the statement by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on UN Day 2024, October 24th and Statement from Mr Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan; Special Rapporteur of the Secretary-General for Iraq on United Nations Day 2024; October 24th.

The United Nations was built by the world, for the world.

Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.

Solutions that ease tensions, build bridges and forge peace.

Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable.

Solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters.

Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls.

Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space.

In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations.

Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms, and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all.

But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person.

In today’s troubled world, hope is not enough.

Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet.

Hope requires all countries working as one.

Hope requires the United Nations.

On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals, shining.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement from Mr Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan; Special Rapporteur of the Secretary-General for Iraq on United Nations Day 2024; October 24th.

Today marks a cherished and precious anniversary in the course of nations to end conflicts, spare the generations the scourge of war, and work to build a more secure, stable and developed world.

United Nations Day reminds us of the importance of peace and stability for the good of humanity. We shall not forget those who served in this Organization and those who made great sacrifices to support peace and establish security and prosperity.

The United Nations works to serve people in defusing conflicts and in time of peace, in order to promote sustainable peace, justice and development. In Iraq, this is what we are doing as well: we serve all sectors of society, through sustainable development, support and humanitarian action, as well as through efforts to promote human rights, just as we stood with the Iraqi people in past times of conflict.

As a founding member of the United Nations, Iraq plays its role in upholding the values, principles and rights encapsulated in the UN Charter which all 193 member states have committed to.

In his UN Day message, Secretary-General António Guterres sums up who we are and what we do. He says: “The United Nations was built by the world, for the world. Since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems.”

We all belong to these United Nations. We are proud of this day, and we shall not forget the memory of all those who worked to uphold the name and values of the United Nations, and to defend the security and fundamental rights of all humanity.

Happy United Nations Day.

SRSG for Iraq Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan

Human Rights Day 2022; December 10th.

 FORUM: ''Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All'' Human Rights Day 2022.

In the decades since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, human rights have become more recognised and more guaranteed across the globe. It has since served as the foundation for an expanding system of human rights protection that today focuses also on vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and migrants. However, the promise of the UDHR, of dignity and equality in rights, has been under a sustained assault in recent years. As the world faces challenges new and ongoing – pandemics, conflicts, exploding inequalities, morally bankrupt global financial system, racism, climate change – the values, and rights enshrined in the UDHR provide guideposts for our collective actions that do not leave anyone behind. The year-long campaign seeks to shift the needle of understanding and action towards greater knowledge of the universality of the UDHR and the activism associated with it. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #10December, #HumanRightsDay,#StandUp4HumanRights, #UDHR75.

Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Human Rights Day 2022; December 10th. 

"The world is facing unprecedented and interlocking challenges to human rights. Hunger and poverty are increasing – an affront to the economic and social rights of hundreds of millions of people. Civic space is shrinking. Media freedom and the safety of journalists are in dangerous decline in almost every region of the world. Trust in institutions is evaporating, especially among young people. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased levels of violence against women and girls. Racism, intolerance and discrimination are running rampant. New human rights challenges are emerging from the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. And we are only beginning to grasp the threat posed to human rights by some new technologies. These trying times call for a reignition of our commitment to all human rights - civil, cultural, economic, political and social. The Call to Action I launched in 2020 positions human rights at the centre of solutions to the challenges we face. This vision is reflected in my report on Our Common Agenda, which calls for a renewed social contract, anchored in human rights. The 75th anniversary of the landmark Universal Declaration on Human Rights next year must be an opportunity for action. I urge Member States, civil society, the private sector and others to put human rights at the heart of efforts to reverse today’s damaging trends. Human rights are the foundation for human dignity, and the cornerstone of peaceful, inclusive, fair, equal and prosperous societies. They are a unifying force and a rallying cry. They reflect the most fundamental thing we share – our common humanity. On this Human Rights Day, we reaffirm the universality and indivisibility of all rights, as we stand up for human rights for all".

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

EVENTS: Join us for a year-long campaign to promote and recognise the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated on 10 December 2023. Ahead of this milestone, starting on this year's Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022, we will launch a year-long campaign to showcase the UDHR by focusing on its legacy, relevance and activism.


HOW TO GET INVOLVED!

CAMPAIGN: I stand for Human Rights.

 Get the campaign materials and add your photo to one of the filters, inspired by the Declaration of Human Rights, and share it on social media.