Last month, we received the tragic confirmation of the killing of our colleague Amer al-Kaissy in Iraq some nine months after he had been abducted. I repeat my condemnation of this despicable murder and my call on the Iraqi authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

            On this International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff, I urge intensified efforts to bring all perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice, and to end impunity.

Between 2000 and 2015, tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment saved 43 million lives.  The TB mortality rate has fallen by nearly half.  The Millennium Development Goal target of reversing TB incidence has been achieved.  But, the fight against this deadly disease is only half-won.  This year alone, TB will affect over 9.6 million men, women and children, and 1.5 million people will lose their lives.  

This annual observance pays tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. Monsignor Romero was actively engaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador.

Across the world, every victim has the right to know the truth about violations that affected her or him.  But the truth also has to be told for the benefit of all people and communities as a vital safeguard against the recurrence of violations.  The right to the truth is closely linked to the right to justice.

Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to rise.  So too does the temperature of oceans and land.  Climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate.  The window of opportunity for limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius – the threshold agreed by world governments in Paris in December last year – is narrow and rapidly shrinking.

        This year’s World Water Day focuses on the links between water and jobs.  Almost half of all workers – 1.5 billion people – work in water-related sectors, and nearly all jobsdepend on the availability of freshwater.

        Despite its paramount importance, water as a sector generally does not receive the attention it deserves.  Water is central to human survival, the environment and the economy. 

            By adopting the ambitious and universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community has promised to leave no one behind. This requires empowering children and adults with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, to contribute to our common future.

        The world’s forests are essential to realizing our shared vision for people and the planet.  They are central to our future prosperity and the stability of the global climate.  That is why the Sustainable Development Goals call for transformative action to safeguard them.

In the 15 years since the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, the world has undoubtedly come a long way in ensuring equal rights and non-discrimination.  Member States have adopted new laws and safeguards, and established new institutions dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights.  Civil society organizations worldwide working on racism are increasingly active and vocal.Yet we have not yet done enough.  Today we are witnessing a surge of intolerance, rac

            I am delighted to offer best wishes for a happy Nowruz to all those celebrating around the world – and to the many others who can benefit from this rich cultural heritage.

            Nowruz is an ancient tradition with modern relevance. Its spirit of friendship, solidarity and respect for the natural environment resonates powerfully with the values of the United Nations.

This year’s International Day of Happiness is focused on Climate Action for a Happy Planet.

Everyone can be part of our campaign: governments, civic groups, the media and individuals. This year, even cartoon characters have joined in as the United Nations teams up with a group famous for lacking good cheer: the Angry Birds.

These animated ambassadors are helping to raise awareness about the importance of climate action for our common future. You can join them by sharing your own climate actions using the hashtag #AngryBirdsHappyPlanet.