Human rights – essential and endangered

Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Ms. Diene Keita on Human Rights Day

Around the world, we see progress in realizing human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights. These rights are foundational to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, progress has been uneven, and in some cases, it is being reversed.

Where women and girls are increasingly being denied their rights, this trend can be exacerbated by toxic public debates and disinformation. Take the rising anxiety in many places about current population trends. Rather than grappling with the complexities of shifting demographics, we see efforts to deny access to contraception to "encourage" women to have more children. This is a violation of their rights that has also proven to be ineffective, time and again.

UNFPA and our partners are stepping up every day to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights - it is who we are and what we do.

On this International Human Rights Day, and as we conclude the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, let's remember that standing up for human rights benefits everyone - and it works. Countries with domestic violence legislation have far lower rates of intimate partner violence, for example. Greater engagement with international and national human rights bodies strengthens action, while increased investment in data sheds light on violations - and solutions, particularly for those furthest behind.

Let us also remember that each one of us can act to realize human rights. A doctor providing respectful, high-quality sexual and reproductive services is upholding the right to health for each woman she serves. A teacher in a rural village counselling parents to keep their daughters in school is upholding the right to education.

Human rights are not abstractions; they are the essentials of everyday life. Human rights are the birthright of each of us, and their protection and promotion are the responsibility of all of us - today and every day.