UNIS/SGSM/1370
29 November 2023
The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to those killed or injured by these horrific weapons.
This year marks ten years since the deadly chemical weapons attack in the Ghouta district of Damascus that resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including many children. Today, we remember this horrible incident and others in the Syrian Arab Republic, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
This day of remembrance must also be a day of resolve to end the use of these repugnant weapons, once and for all.
Ending this scourge means living up to the Chemical Weapons Convention’s call to prevent the use of any chemical weapons, and ending impunity for those who use them, especially against civilians.
In the name and memory of all who have suffered, let’s consign chemical weapons to history.
* *** *
A new analysis from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released today finds that legal protection of the environment varies widely by country and region in terms of crimes covered and punishments given, and highlights priority areas for consideration to strengthen prevention and curb crimes that affect the environment.
"As we mark this Day for Biological Diversity, let us commit to be Part of the Plan. Let us act urgently to put biodiversity on a path to recovery." — António Guterres
"On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, we celebrate the power of communication tools to change lives for the better." — António Guterres
"On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secure equality before the law." — António Guterres