STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES (OACPS) ON THE OCCASION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Brussels, 10 December 2020/OACPS: On the occasion of the annual observance of Human Rights Day on 10 December, the Secretary-General of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, reiterates the significance of this day on which humanity commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Respect for, and the upholding of universal human rights are non-negotiable. Human rights promote and sustain peace, justice and sustainable development – key vectors for achieving Agenda 2030.

The Secretary-General welcomes this year’s theme for Human Rights Day, “Recover better – Stand up for Human Rights”. He calls on all nations to address with purpose the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on underprivileged people, children, and women, and the need to “build back better by ensuringhuman rightsare central to recovery efforts”. The Secretary-General is furthermore concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened violations of certain categories of human rights, notably, a substantial increase in violence against women and young girls.

H.E. Mr Chikoti reaffirms his commitment to support the Members of the OACPS in their efforts to comply with the Charter of the United Nations, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Being inalienable, indivisible and interdependent, respect for human rights must take into account all the social and political dimensions. Thus, the right to life, to education, to health, as well as equality between men and freedom of opinion and expression are equally important.

Recognizing that there are still many human rights deficits, the Secretary-General calls on Members of the OACPS to promote inclusive sustainable development policies that are people-centred, rights-based and respectful of democratic principles. In this regard, H.E. Mr Chikoti encourages nations to address issues of inequality, exclusion and discrimination.

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