To mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, United Nations leaders urge all member states to stand together to protect human rights.

'Inclusive and peaceful societies'

“In a world of widespread suffering, war, poverty and discrimination, the fiftieth anniversary is an appropriate moment to rally around the Covenants’ principles and vision,” emphasized Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, who spoke on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Member states were told to work together to ensure protection of the basic rights to life, liberty and security; to equality before the law; to gender equality, education and health; to freedom of expression, worship and association; and to freedom from discrimination, torture, slavery and hunger.

"The adoption galvanized the consensus view that the protection and realization of human rights is fundamental to building resilient, inclusive and peaceful societies," Eliasson said.

'Not empty words, but rights'

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein also spoke, emphasizing the importance of the two Covenants and saying that they have been a “lifeline” for millions of women, men and children in the last half century.

"These are not empty words, but rights. Every State represented in this room has sworn to be accountable to its people in ensuring these rights are respected," said Zeid. "They have helped to shape constitutions of many nations represented in this chamber, and they are deeply grounded in your laws."

High Commissioner Zeid also reminded member states that we continue to reap the benefits of the Covenants even 50 years after their establishment. He pointed to the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change, which draw deeply from the Covenants to end discrimination and build governance rooted in civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

"The fiftieth anniversary of the Covenants must be an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to the International Bill of Rights – the great tripod of principle and commitment that is formed by the two Covenants and the Universal Declaration [of Human Rights]," said Zeid. "These texts are the bedrock of sound governance. In them lives the world’s hope for peace."