21
September 2008. New-York – Kyiv – On the International Day of Peace
in his Message to world community UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged to
join effort in protection of human rights and accelerating the progress in
achieving Millennium Development Goals, and also to join forces against
conflicts, poverty and hunger.
Secretary-General’s Message
on the International Day of Peace:
“This year,
the International Day of Peace takes on special meaning. This is the year we also mark the sixtieth anniversary of
the adoption of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. We know that human
rights are essential to peace. Yet too many people
around the world still have their rights violated -- especially during and
after armed conflict. That is why we must ensure that the rights in the Declaration are a living reality -- that
they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected,
who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists
for them.
At the same
time, we face a development emergency. This year, we pass the midpoint in the
race to reach the Millennium Development Goals -- the common vision agreed by
leaders of all countries for building a better world in the 21st
century. Reaching these goals is also essential to peace. Yet many countries in
Africa are not on track to reach a single one
of the goals by the deadline of 2015. That is why, just after the International
Day of Peace, Governments, civil society and business will meet at the United
Nations to forge a broad coalition and try to bridge the gap.
There is so much to unite
around on this International Day of Peace. To mobilize people around the world,
the UN is launching a text messaging campaign.
My message reads: “On 21 September, the International
Day of Peace, I call on world leaders and peoples around the world to join
forces against conflict, poverty and hunger, and for all human rights for all.”
Together, let us send a powerful signal for peace that will be read,
heard and felt around the world.”
20.09.08
