Conflicts, Anxieties, Abuses Peaked in 2017, says UN Sec. Gen, Guterres

 

Conflicts, Anxieties, Abuses Peaked in 2017, says UN Sec. Gen, Guterres

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has said crisis, anxieties, abuses and climate change, instead of abating, grew higher in 2017. This Guterres said was a reverse to the plea he made to the world on assumption of office.

Guterres therefore said he would rather issue a red alert to the world and warn of the dangers in continuing on the same path in 2018.

In his new year message, Guterres said: “Dear friends around the world, Happy New Year. When I took office one year ago, I appealed for 2017 to be a year for peace. Unfortunately – in fundamental ways, the world has gone in reverse.

On New Year’s Day 2018, I am not issuing an appeal.  I am issuing an alert — a red alert for our world.

Conflicts have deepened and new dangers have emerged. Global anxieties about nuclear weapons are the highest since the Cold War. Climate change is moving faster than we are.

The UN scribe said that inequalities, violations of human rights, nationalism and xenophobia have been on the increase. He urged the world to come together in unity and build a united and safer world in 2018.

“Inequalities are growing. We see horrific violations of human rights. Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise.  As we begin 2018, I call for unity. I truly believe we can make our world more safe and secure.  We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values.  But we can only do that together. 

“I urge leaders everywhere to make this New Year’s resolution: Narrow the gaps.  Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals. Unity is the path. Our future depends on it. 

I wish you peace and health in 2018.  Thank you.  Shokran.  Xie Xie.  Merci.  Spasiba.  Gracias.  Obrigado”, he said.