NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the international community to overcome divisions and step up support for people in need as Ramadan approaches, urging action to protect human rights and dignity amid conflicts and humanitarian crises.
In a message delivered by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at UN Headquarters in New York, Guterres described Ramadan as a sacred period of reflection and prayer that embodies a vision of hope and peace. He said that vision remains out of reach for many people, citing continued suffering linked to conflict, hunger, displacement and discrimination in multiple regions.
Guterres urged people to “bridge divides” and to “deliver help and hope” to those facing hardship. He also called for safeguarding the rights and dignity of every person, framing the appeal as a test of shared responsibility during a month associated with compassion, generosity and community support.
Dujarric, relaying the secretary-general’s remarks, pointed to civilians affected by wars and instability from Afghanistan to Yemen, and from Gaza to Sudan, adding that hardship extends beyond those places. The message came as the United Nations and humanitarian groups continue to report severe needs across conflict zones, including shortages of food, shelter and basic services for displaced families.
Message As Ramadan Nears
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer and charity, with fasting from dawn to sunset forming a central practice. The month follows the lunar calendar, and the start date is determined by moon sighting in many countries, which can lead to differing official announcements. The period is also widely marked by increased charitable giving and community initiatives focused on assisting vulnerable people.
Guterres said he makes an annual solidarity visit to a Muslim community and joins the fast, describing the experience as a reminder of Ramadan’s spirit of peace and compassion. He ended his message with a greeting of “Ramadan Kareem,” and appealed for the holy month to serve as a moment to recognize shared humanity and support those living through violence and deprivation.
Call For Rights And Aid
The secretary-general’s appeal emphasized practical support alongside broader calls for unity, linking the themes of the month to humanitarian needs and protections for civilians. His message highlighted the importance of ensuring that assistance reaches people affected by conflict, hunger and displacement, and of respecting fundamental rights in societies facing heightened tensions and discrimination.
Guterres also called for people to work together to build what he described as a more peaceful, generous and just world for all. The UN has repeatedly stressed that humanitarian needs remain acute in several conflicts, while urging governments and communities to prioritize relief efforts and uphold legal protections for civilians as religious observances begin. – By Content Syndication Services.