International day for peace: UN Chief urges to promote, defend human rights for all

UN Chief Antonio Guterres has urged the world community to act together to promote and defend human rights for all in the name of lasting peace, on the occasion of International Day of Peace, on Friday.

Asserting that true peace requires standing up for the human rights of all the world's people, Mr Guterres said that peace takes root when people were free from hunger, poverty and oppression and could thrive and prosper.

''This year's theme for the International Day of Peace is: ''The Right to Peace ? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70,'' a United Nations statement quoted Mr Guterres as saying.

In a message, the UN chief acknowledged, "With the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as our guide, we must ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. I encourage you to speak up. For gender equality. For inclusive societies. For climate action. Do your part at school, at work, at home. Every step counts."

The International Day of Peace, observed every year on September 21, embodies our shared aspiration to end conflict in all its forms and to safeguard the human rights of all people.