UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to work together to safeguard the human rights of all people and build peaceful and inclusive societies.

“Together, we can realize the vision of a world free of racism and racial discrimination,” he said in a message marking the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace. 

Every year on 21 September, the UN chief said, the United Nations calls on all people to lay down weapons and reaffirm their commitment to living in harmony with one another. 

“Today, as we mark the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace, this shared aspiration is more pressing than ever,” he said. 

This year’s theme is “End racism. Build peace.” The UN chief said racism poisons societies, normalizes discrimination and spurs violence. 

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“We must fight it by countering hate speech, promoting dialogue and addressing the root causes of inequality,” he said. 

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. 

The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.