Video message by Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Seven and a half decades ago, world leaders adopted an inspiring text to help find a path out of the tragedy and destruction generated by two global wars, and to facilitate the inclusive economic recovery from the Great Depression.
As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 75, we have its penholders to thank, including Hernán Santa Cruz, a Chilean diplomat who actively fought for the inclusion of economic, social and cultural rights.
These dialogues celebrate his legacy. I pay tribute to his vision and courage.
Santa Cruz once wrote of the ‘painful paradox’ of the ‘coexistence of undreamt wealth with an atrocious misery.’
He was determined to address the world’s deep inequalities.
Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the world’s most unequal regions.
The gap between rich and poor is vast, and it is not closing.
201 million people in Latin America were projected to be living in poverty by the end of last year.
In many countries, indigenous peoples face far higher poverty rates.
Rural areas endure up to twice the rates of extreme poverty than urban centres.
The global economic crisis has sent food and energy prices soaring and has plunged millions more into poverty.
Not one country has been spared the shattering social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And not one country will be spared from the mass human, environmental, and economic impact of the climate crisis, unless we take colossal action, and we do it now.
In times of crisis, economies falter. Investment declines and jobs suffer.
Inequalities widen, and deepen.
But economies anchored in human rights can withstand these shocks.
These are economies that more fairly distribute their resources, and that prioritise and deliver social protection, quality education and healthcare, for everyone.
These are countries which act decisively on the climate crisis.
They ensure people have all their fundamental freedoms, the space to raise their voice to demand their rights and can participate actively in matters that affect them.
As we look back to the vision of Santa Cruz and other delegates 75 years ago, let us be inspired by the spirit and thirst for change that they brought to the drafting table.
Governments in the region have now an opportunity to reinvigorate their commitment to human rights.
They can shift the direction, lead the way, and make economic and social change for good.
Through fighting corruption and advancing tax reforms which promote fairer contributions from those who are better off, and that mobilise resources to achieve the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights.
By grounding economic policies, plans and programmes in human rights obligations and principles.
And through ensuring national budgets reflect provisions for solid investment in economic, social and cultural rights, as well as in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
Large strides are being made in this region for greater collaboration in global tax systems which are more effective, sustainable and inclusive. They are welcome.
And I echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for a drastic reform of the international financial architecture. I urge you all to support the Bridgetown Initiative, a game-changing package of proposals to relieve debt distress, increase investment in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and ensure a green transformation of our economies.
Finally, I am pleased that Chile has ratified the landmark Escazu Agreement. This is an essential instrument, which contributes towards acting on climate change and achieving environmental justice in the region. I call on other States in the region who have not yet ratified it to do the same.
Closing the inequalities gap will take determined political will. By ensuring human rights are the bedrock on which our economies are built and sustained, we have a stronger chance than ever to heal social fractures and advance towards prosperity, dignity and justice for all.
Let us all promote and recommit to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Thank you.
