Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 11July 2025
UNIC-Islamabad
11 July 2025
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UNITED NATIONS
SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
MESSAGE FOR WORLD POPULATION DAY
11 July 2025
On this World Population Day, we celebrate the potential and promise of the largest youth generation ever.
They are not only shaping our future; they are demanding one that is just, inclusive, and sustainable.
The theme -- "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world” – reaffirms the promise of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development: that every person has the right to make informed choices about their lives and futures.
Many young people today face economic uncertainty, gender inequality, health challenges, the climate crisis and conflict.
Still, they are leading – with courage, conscience and clarity. And they are calling for systems that uphold their rights and support their choices.
I urge countries to invest in policies that ensure education, healthcare, decent work, and the full protection of their reproductive rights.
Let us stand with young people and build a future where every person can shape their destiny in a world that is fair, peaceful and full of hope.
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THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REFLECTION AND COMMEMORATION OF THE 1995 GENOCIDE IN SREBRENICA
11 July 2025
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica – the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered. Thousands of women, children, and older persons were forcibly displaced, their lives forever shattered. The intention was the elimination of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica.
We remember the victims and honour the courage of the survivors – including the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose tireless pursuit of justice ensured that the genocide was recognized in both law and history.
This day is not only a moment of reflection. It is a call to vigilance and action.
At a time when hate speech, denial and division are gaining ground, we must stand firm for truth and justice. We must detect early warning signs and respond before violence takes hold. We must respect international law, defend human rights, uphold the dignity of every individual, and invest in reconciliation and peace.
Let the memory of Srebrenica strengthen our resolve, so that “never again” truly means never again.
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