On October 23, the UN Information Centre announced that an article by Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, titled "Toward a Society Where Everyone Is Respected — Joining the World's Energy," appeared in the October 17 issue of the Asahi Shimbun.
As human rights come under threat around the world, the article introduces the "Global Alliance for Human Rights," launched this June by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The head of the UN's human rights work explains in his own words a new effort to rally people working on human rights, give voice to many, and turn great energy into real change.
The article closes with an invitation: "Let's start walking together." The full text is linked from the UN Information Centre's page.
Key points
- The UN's human rights chief speaks directly to Japanese readers
- The Global Alliance, launched this June, brings together people working on human rights
- The closing call to "walk together" is open to ordinary citizens too
Why this news deserves attention
Human rights are the foundation of international cooperation and NGO work. This is a chance to see that organizations and citizens on the ground are looking in the same direction as the UN.
That the UN's top human rights official spoke directly through a Japanese newspaper can prompt each of us to think of human rights as our own concern.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was struck that the UN's top human rights official spoke directly to readers through a Japanese newspaper. I hope the call for a Global Alliance also reaches NGOs working on the ground.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree with you, Aoba, about the impact of the head speaking in person. The invitation to start walking together sounds gentle and opens the door even to readers who are not experts.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing you both, I feel human rights are not a distant matter. The wish for a society where everyone is respected seems to connect with small moments in our daily lives, too.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Human rights can sound like a big word, but the wish for a society where everyone is respected is also part of our everyday lives.
The full text can be read on the UN Information Centre's page. Please take a look.”