UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for redoubling efforts to detect, protect, and support survivors and leave no trafficking victim behind. "Together, let us build a world where no one can ever be bought, sold, or exploited," he said in a message marking World Day against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. "It preys on vulnerability and thrives in times of conflict and instability," said the UN chief. Amidst growing inequalities, worsening climate emergencies, and record displacement – more and more people are left vulnerable to traffickers, he said. North Korea calls UN's Guterres 'puppet of US' after launch The majority of detected victims are women and children, many of whom suffer brutal violence, forced labour, and horrific sexual exploitation and abuse. "Yet traffickers continue to operate with impunity. Their crimes are receiving not nearly enough attention. This must change," Guterres said. Guterres to meet Putin, Zelenskyy next week "We must invest much more in detection and protection. We must strengthen law enforcement to bring criminals that commodify human beings to justice. And we must do more to help survivors rebuild their lives," he said. Guterres hopes Bangladesh to continue support to UN peace operations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to do more to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in building resilience to external shocks and pursuing sustainable business models. “Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises represent around 90 per cent of global businesses, more than 60 percent of employment and half of GDP worldwide. They are the economic lifeblood of communities around the world,” he said. Read: Global hunger crisis pushes one child per minute into severe malnutrition: UNICEF In a message marking the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day that falls on June 27, the UN chief said these enterprises have also been disproportionately impacted by a host of challenges that are disrupting economies -- from climate catastrophe to COVID-19 to the global fallout from the war in Ukraine. The theme of this year’s Day, “Resilience and Rebuilding”, highlights the vital role of micro-, small and medium sized enterprises for a fair and sustainable recovery. Read:Internet shutdowns hurt human rights, economy, daily life: UN Strengthening small businesses helps fight poverty, create jobs and safeguard livelihoods, particularly for the working poor, women and youth, said Guterres. “On this International Day of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, let us renew our commitment to leverage their full potential, rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and build a more prosperous and just world for all,” he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to ensure the reproductive health rights of everyone, everywhere noting that resources for sexual and reproductive health services were diverted with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read:FM greets UN chief Guterres on re-appointment “As we mark World Population Day, let us pledge to ensure the reproductive health rights of everyone, everywhere,” he said in a message marking the World Population Day that falls on July 11. Guterres said the Covid-19 pandemic continues to upend the world, reaching one grim milestone after another. Read: Next 10 years final chance to avert climate catastrophe: UN chief In addition to the millions of lives tragically lost, there has been a less visible toll:  a shocking rise in domestic violence as women were forced into isolation with their abusers; empty maternity wards as women postponed motherhood; and unintended pregnancies due to curtailed access to contraceptive services, he said. “Our latest estimates indicate that Covid-19 will push 47 million women and girls into extreme poverty. Many girls who are out of school may never return,” said the UN chief. Read: Let's work together to defeat COVID-19: UN chief In every corner of the world, he said, they are seeing a reversal of hard-won gains and an erosion of women’s reproductive rights, choices and agency. “These gaps in access to health rights are unacceptable. Women cannot be alone in this fight.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all governments to do everything in their power to support a free, independent and diverse media.  "Free and independent journalism is our greatest ally in combatting misinformation and disinformation," he said in a message marking the World Press Freedom Day that falls on May 3. Guterres said the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists aims to create a safe environment for media workers across the globe – because information is a public good. He said the global challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic underline the critical role of reliable, verified and universally accessible information in saving lives and building strong, resilient societies. Also read: World Press Freedom Index: Bangladesh slips one place to 151st During the pandemic, and in other crises including the climate emergency, journalists and media workers help all navigate a fast-changing and often overwhelming landscape of information, while addressing dangerous inaccuracies and falsehoods, said the UN chief. In too many countries, they run great personal risks, including new restrictions, censorship, abuse, harassment, detention and even death, simply for doing their jobs, said adding that the situation continues to worsen. The economic impact of the pandemic has hit many media outlets hard, threatening their very survival, Guterres said. Also read: Digital Security Act not for curbing press freedom: Anisul As budgets tighten, so too does access to reliable information. Rumours, falsehoods and extreme or divisive opinions surge in to fill the gap, he said.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the lethal use of force against peaceful protestors in Myanmar, where demonstrations against the military takeover of the Government have been growing.

International partners working to achieve equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines appealed on Wednesday for the UN Security Council to ensure people caught in conflict have access to these lifesaving treatments.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the detention of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint and other political leaders on the eve of the opening session of Myanmar’s new Parliament.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all to step up efforts to reimagine education -- training teachers, bridging the digital divide and rethinking curricula -- to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to flourish in a rapidly changing world.

With more than two million lives now lost worldwide to Covid-19, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a global coordinated effort to end the pandemic and "save lives".

As the world marks the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change, a promising movement for carbon neutrality is taking shape.  By next month, countries representing more than 65 per cent of harmful greenhouse gasses and more than 70 per cent of the world economy will have committed to achieve net zero emissions by the middle of the century.