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UN Chief: Human Rights Violations 'Widespread and Systematic'

Margaret Besheer

   UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Secretary-General said Tuesday that there is
   still "an enormous gap" between what the Universal Declaration of Human
   Rights calls for and the situation in countries around the world.

   "Human rights violations, misogyny and exclusion are widespread and
   systematic. Inequality is growing, and hate speech is poisoning public
   debate," António Guterres told a U.N. gathering on International Human
   Rights Day. "The climate crisis, urbanization and endless conflict are
   denying millions of people their fundamental rights and freedoms."

   This year's human rights day theme is "youth standing up for human
   rights," and Guterres pointed to the wave of global protests, noting
   that the youth are in the lead seeking a better future.

   "Everywhere, they are marching against corruption, repression and
   inequality, and for human rights and human dignity. Young people are on
   the front lines of action against the climate emergency, which poses a
   serious threat to human rights and to human life,"he said.