HUMAN WRONGS WATCH

Illegal trade in wildlife and timber products finances criminal and militia groups, threatening security and sustainable development. Photo: World Bank/Curt Carnemark ” Source: UN News Centre

“Environmental crime is transnational in scope and insidious in nature. It robs governments of much-needed revenues, people of their livelihoods, and communities of peace and security,” announced Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL, the world’s largest international police organization.

A voter displays proof of having exercised her voice at the ballot box in Timore-Leste’s parliamentary elections. UN Photo/Martine Perret

In his message on the Day, Ban recalled that over the decade of his tenure as UN chief, he has repeatedly stressed the interdependence of the three pillars of the Organization – peace, sustainable development and human rights.

“Together, they form the basis of resilient and cohesive societies rooted in inclusion, justice and the rule of law,” he said, noting that human rights are also at the heart of the work of the UN.