March 31, 2017 -- Human rights are an intrinsic part of all that we do – and all that we are. We must do more to ensure equal attention to economic, social and cultural rights, said António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General at the opening ceremony of the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 27, 2017.

 

The 2030 Agenda provides an ideal platform to demonstrate our commitment to all human rights. As the High Commissioner has often pointed out, the right to development is at the core of the 2030 Agenda Under this framework, the right to quality education, housing, food, water, equal access to employment and other economic and social rights can and must be realized, said Guterres.

 

We must speak up for human rights in an impartial way without double standards. We must invest in human rights and recognize human rights as values and goals unto themselves – not allowing them to be instrumentalized as a political tool. And the integrity and credibility of this Council will only be enhanced by proceeding in a manner that avoids unbalanced treatment of Member States, said Guterres.

 

New conflicts are multiplying.  Old ones never die.  And both are more and more interconnected with the threat of global terrorism and violent extremism. We have seen human rights abuses play into the hands of extremists. At the same time, violations of economic rights -- such as massive inequalities within and between States – are a growing source of social unrest. We must make prevention our priority, tackle root causes of conflict, and react earlier and more effectively in addressing human rights concerns, said Guterres.

 

The Human Rights Council was set to replace the former United Nations Commission on the 60th UN Assembly on Human Rights on May 9, 2006. It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.