On Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres inaugurated the 40th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) by condemning the rise in threats to human rights all over the globe.

Guterres started his address by highlighting the role of the HRC as the focal point/ hotbed for the preservation of all human rights. He even underlined the areas of progress that includes a global cutback in poverty levels and growing access to clean drinking water. Guterres also honored the huge progress in the fight for women’s rights and gender equality in recent years and pointed out a recent increase of females in political leadership as well as diminishing maternal mortality rates. He even stated that, however, meaningful inequalities still lingers. He urged for increasing endeavors to defend freedom of speech all over the world, showing concern over heightened targeting of journalists and activists.

To fight with these trends, Guterres pointed out that Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng will be heading an UN attempt to recognize and reduce hate speech. In his closing remarks, Guterres urged the HRC to take steps in protecting and defending the human rights, especially the rights of the refugees.