Today on International Human Rights Day, I applaud human rights defenders across the globe and everyone who participated in the 16 days of activism to end violence against women. Together, we must stand up for human rights and human dignity for every one every day. This is a global goal worthy in itself and critical for the advance of peace, justice and sustainable development.

Today, on World AIDS Day, I join every person around the world who believes the next generation should be free of HIV and AIDS. More than 30 years into the epidemic, we have moved beyond the early devastation wreaked by AIDS and scored many successes. Now, we need to do more. We must close the gap by 2030, so that every person has access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services and no person is left behind.

As we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us mobilize for the 16 days of activism from now until Human Rights Day on 10 December. Join the global effort to “Orange YOUR Neighbourhood” as part of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women.

As we celebrate World Humanitarian Day, I salute those who respond to crises and work tirelessly to save people in times of deep distress and danger.

With just 500 days left to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), we must all intensify our actions to hit our targets, especially the MDG 5 targets to reduce maternal death and achieve universal reproductive health.

Kadiga, 17, was subjected to Female Genital Mutilation as a child. Like millions of girls in a similar situation, she will face countless risks to her health and untold pain as a result of decisions taken about her by others. But opinions in her community in Afar, Ethiopia, have recently started to change and, as a result, her younger sister, Medina, will not be cut.

A safe and healthy passage from adolescence into adulthood is the right of every child. Being healthy means not merely the absence of illness, but complete physical, mental and social well-being.