Word of welcome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ human rights day-week walk, 10 December 2022

Excellencies,

Dear all,

Welcome to you all.

Today is the start of a new tradition: the human rights day and week walk.

It is cold and a little rainy and we will start doing what we all came for as quickly as possible: to get moving and start our walk.

Today is Human  Rights Day.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

So begins Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted precisely 74 years ago today.

A principle deeply rooted in our international city of peace and justice.

Countless people in the more than 200 international organisations based here in our city are working to make the world a better place.

A world governed by the rule of law, rather than the law of the jungle.

A world in which human rights are respected and guaranteed.

Current events remind us daily how important it is to stand up for peace, freedom and human rights.

All over the world.

Including close to home.

I wish you all a most enjoyable walk.

A new tradition is born.