Expressing deep sadness that more than 200 Rohingya – who fled military persecution in Myanmar in 2017 – were killed trying to cross the Andaman Sea from Bangladesh this year, Mr. Türk speak that the boats that had crossed the border were not only “overcrowded and unsafe” but “were left to drift for days without assistance.”
Sincere appeal
This year alone, more than 2,400 Rohingya have tried sea journey.
And with no sign of an end to the crisis, the UN’s head of rights called for more countries to help keep them safe.
In particular, Mr. Türk called on States to coordinate proactive search and rescue operations, bring Rohingya refugees into their territories and ensure their protection.
He also called on countries and regions across the globe to help Bangladesh support the more than one million Rohingya refugees who have sought protection there since 2017.
“An urgent solution must be found to enable all Rohingya to voluntarily return home, with full respect for their dignity and human rights as full and equal citizens of Myanmar.” , the High Commissioner emphasized.
Turn the page to the new year
At the end of 2022, the senior UN official reflected on “the story we want to write for our future”.
“My hope for the coming year is that we will live our lives, individually and collectively, with kindness, empathy and solidarity. In the way we relate to each other. In our homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, [and] online,” he said in look forward message for the year 2023.
‘A Story of Hope and Solidarity’
Mr. Türk reiterated that if human rights are not protected “in the small places”, they will not make sense anywhere.
He argued to defend women’s rights at home and in public, saying women and girls must have “full equality and no discrimination”.
Children’s eyes must also be opened to past mistakes, so that they can “write a story of hope and solidarity” to create a better world in which “they We celebrate diversity, believing that we are stronger together than apart,” he added. the head of the right of the United Nations.
Guided by humanity
He hopes for a future of expression online, protected from hatred and misinformation with consideration for other points of view; respect disagreements; and accept diversity.
“Think of the person on the other side of the screen,” urged the High Commissioner, reminding that “there is no room for demeaning another person’s humanity by using diminishing labels or identity politics.” .
“I hope our shared humanity will be our guide.”
2022-12-29 HC Volker Türk – Look Ahead 2023
united force
Türk sees human rights as “a force that comes and unites us”, bringing people “back to the fundamental principles of who we are, about human dignity and what binds us all together “.
He argues that one person’s pain ultimately hurts everyone and emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of present and future generations.
“Treat our planet with the kindness and humility it deserves. And let’s make sure that our actions to protect the environment are based on the human rights of all.”
According to the senior UN official, this requires courage and courage to listen and speak up when others are being treated badly, to live in a space where everyone can exercise their rights freely. safely in justice and dignity.
“As we approach our 75th anniversary Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man next year, let us try to make the world more dignified,” concluded the High Commissioner. “A world where everyone’s rights are respected.”
