"The International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of upholding free speech, civil liberties, and the rule of law; ensuring accountable institutions; and protecting and promoting human rights." — António Guterres
"This important day reminds us of the damage of war on young learners' bodies, minds and spirits. From injuries and loss of life, to abduction, forced displacement, sexual violence, recruitment to the fighting, and lost opportunities, the risks are enormous." — António Guterres
"On the International Day for People of African Descent, we honour the immense and diverse contributions of people of African descent to the vast spectrum of human achievements, and their tireless efforts to create a better world." — António Guterres
"As Artificial Intelligence reshapes our world, young people must also be front and centre in shaping digital policies and institutions." — António Guterres
"Today and every day, the world must stand behind the rights of Indigenous Peoples to chart their own futures." — António Guterres
"Human trafficking is a horrific crime that targets the most vulnerable in our societies. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we focus on the most vulnerable among us – children." — António Guterres
"As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, let us all work to promote human rights education, bring young people into democratic decision-making, and counter intolerance, discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes, wherever they are found." — 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
The International Film Festival on Human Rights this human world (thw) will hold the Short Film Competition on Human Rights 2024 under the auspices of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Austria and the Chief Executive Office of the City of Vienna for European and International Affairs in cooperation with schools in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Türkiye.
"World Autism Awareness Day is a moment to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of autistic people in every country and community." — António Guterres
"For four hundred years, enslaved Africans fought for their freedom, while colonial powers and others committed horrific crimes against them." — António Guterres
"Racism is an evil infecting countries and societies around the world – a deeply entrenched legacy of colonialism and enslavement." — António Guterres
"The International Day to Combat Islamophobia occurs at a time when we see a rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and bigotry in many parts of the world." — António Guterres
#ZeroCon24 - It's a wrap for one of the world’s largest meetings on disability inclusion at the United Nations in Vienna. Have a look at the highlights with Ghada Waly, Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna, Martin Essl, founder of Essl Foundation, and inspiring testimonies from awardees and participants.
Watch the video / Photos of the opening & White Hands Chorus NIPPON.
"Female genital mutilation is an egregious violation of fundamental human rights that causes lifelong harm to the physical and mental health of women and girls." — António Guterres
In 2024, the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust on 27 January marks 79 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This year, the United Nations is paying tribute to the bravery of all those who stood up to the Nazis, despite the grave risks.
Leading human rights experts from around the world came to the Vienna City Hall, along with the UN family in Vienna for a two-day international conference to celebrate milestones and discuss challenges to human rights.
""All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The iconic opening sentence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is as important today as it was when it was adopted 75 years ago." — António Guterres
The Library at the Palais des Nations in Geneva holds a copy of the first French translation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document which has inspired the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk all his life. Learn more about the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and why we can never give up our fight for human rights.
The sessions, organized to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and run by the Slovak Debate Association (SDA) with the support of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna, aimed to equip teachers with practical tools to enhance media literacy, combat online misinformation, and promote critical thinking skills among young people.