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.

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects people throughout the world, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. Yet, tragically, people with albinism continue to suffer widespread discrimination, stigma and social exclusion. Very many, including children and women, are extremely vulnerable, isolated and subject to abuse and violence.  

1 June 2018  (OHCHR) - On 31 May, right before the 2018 FIFA World Cup the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights together with the Government of Moscow and the Commissioner for Human Rights in the city of Moscow held a high-level meeting “Promoting diversity and a discrimination-free environment in cities hosting the FIFA World Cup 2018”.

On May 29th, 1948, the United Nations Security Council authorized the first United Nations peacekeeping operation – the UN Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East.

On this 70th anniversary, we express our gratitude to the more than one million men and women who have served under the UN flag, saving countless lives.

We honour the more than 3,700 blue helmets who paid the ultimate price. 

And we pay tribute to the fourteen missions working around the clock today to protect people and advance the cause of peace.

In March this year, Africa’s leaders launched the African Continental Free Trade Area.  Representing one of the largest markets in the world, with 1.2 billion consumers, the Free Trade Area can boost regional integration, drive economic growth, generate jobs for young Africans, alleviate poverty and lead to more stable and peaceful societies. 

The rich variety of life on Earth is essential for the welfare and prosperity of people today and for generations to come.  That is why, 25 years ago, the world’s nations agreed on the Convention for Biological Diversity.  The Convention has three goals: the global conservation of biodiversity, its sustainable use and the equitable sharing of its benefits.  Achieving these objectives is integral to meet our goals for sustainable development.

GENEVA (9 May 2018)– The Russian Federation’s human rights record will be examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the third time on Monday, 14 May 2018 in a meeting that will be webcast live.

GENEVA  (2 May 2018) –  The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye, and rights experts from around the world have joined forces to highlight growing threats to media independence and diversity worldwide, particularly those affecting digital outlets.

Today, we mark World Health Day – and the 70th anniversary of the World Health Organization.

WHO was founded on the principle that, and I quote “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. “end of quote. 

Since then, average global life expectancy has expanded by 23 years. 

Smallpox has disappeared, and polio will soon be gone.

Millions more children live to celebrate their fifth birthdays.