United Nations

The role of the United Nations is as vital today as ever. Around the world, the UN works for everyone, everywhere —by responding to conflict, protecting refugees, feeding the hungry, addressing the climate emergency, empowering women, assisting those affected by humanitarian crises & much more. https://lnkd.in/eEmsPA_V

Conflict continues to rage in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thousands of people have been killed. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes. I pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives, including MONUSCO peacekeepers and regional forces. And I express my solidarity with the Congolese people who find themselves yet again the victims of a seemingly endless cycle of violence. As leaders gather to address this crisis, my message is clear: Silence the guns. Stop the escalation. Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is time for mediation. It is time to end this crisis. It is time for peace.

Vaccines are safe and prevent millions of deaths every year. Routine immunizations help stop the spread of diseases, avert the risk of dangerous outbreaks and combat antimicrobial resistance by limiting the need for antibiotics. #VaccinesWork, protecting people of all ages and saving countless lives across the globe. The World Health Organization explains how:  https://lnkd.in/dnKzMUM

Thursday is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation —a human rights violation rooted in gender inequalities, power imbalances and the social norms that uphold them. Around the world, 230 million women and girls alive today have been subjected to this harmful procedure, which involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. No one should have to live through such trauma. We must support survivors and accelerate efforts to end this practice, which robs girls and women of their rights and full potential. More from UNICEF: https://lnkd.in/e-baHdag

The exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is about the right of Palestinians to simply live as human beings in their own land. We have seen the realization of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach. We have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people. Of course, nothing justifies the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7. And nothing justifies what we have seen unfold in Gaza over these last many months. I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release deal. Now is the time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward. First, we must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay. We cannot go back to more death and destruction. Second, in the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse. It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law. It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing. Third, we must reaffirm the two-State solution. A viable, sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability. The United Nations is fully committed to peace, stability, and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

Investing in education is an investment in our common future. Access to quality education helps to reduce inequalities and improve gender equality. It also empowers people to live healthier and more sustainable lives. Learn how the #GlobalGoals call for inclusive, quality education for all. https://lnkd.in/ev8CYm5

Indigenous peoples are the keepers of unique traditions, knowledge and cultures that have been passed down through generations. They speak the majority of the world’s 7,000 languages, each representing a distinct worldview and way of life. Yet, many Indigenous languages are at risk of vanishing forever, disappearing at an alarming rate. UNESCO works tirelessly around the world to accelerate action to protect and preserve these languages and the invaluable cultural and intellectual heritage they represent. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dRTbVQnu

The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council reviews the human rights records of all 193 UN member countries — the only process of this kind in existence. More on its work: https://lnkd.in/gp87VJh3

Tuesday is the International Day of Human Fraternity. “It is the duty of all of us, including religious leaders, to seek dialogue over division, and confront hatred wherever we find it, before it takes hold and spreads,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Together, we can pave the way for a more peaceful, inclusive and just world for all people.” On Human Fraternity Day and every day, each of us can stand up for interfaith harmony and mutual respect in a spirit of peace and solidarity.  https://lnkd.in/gdDgNMc

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The 5 most common types of cancer include: breast, lung, colorectal, stomach and prostate. The good news is that up to half of all cancers can be prevented through screening & pre-cancer treatment. Adopting a healthy lifestyle — avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a nutritious diet & exercising regularly — also diminishes the risk of developing the disease. More from the World Health Organization on Tuesday’s World Cancer Day: https://lnkd.in/eyi_S77