“The Covid-19 pandemic confirmed two fundamental truths about human rights. First, violations of these rights are detrimental in every respect. Second, human rights are universal and protect us all,” said UN Secretary General António Guterres on the occasion of Human Rights Day, marked by an unprecedented global health crisis.
In its December 9 communiqué, the UN recalls how the pandemic further undermines human rights in societies where they are already violated: “The pandemic […] serves as a pretext for strong security policies and repressive measures that restrict civic space and media freedom”. It therefore calls, through its United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, to “learn the lessons of the crisis engendered by Covid-19, namely to put an end to all forms of discrimination, reduce inequalities, encourage participation, especially of young people, and strengthen our will and efforts to achieve the goals of sustainable development. A roadmap as ambitious as it is urgent and necessary, for the international community…
It is also an opportunity to reread the books of Cartooning for Peace on these major topics: “Les droits de l’homme, c’est pour quand ?” (When Are Human Rights Due?) and “À vos masques !” (On your masks).
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