Resident Coordinator a.i.’s Remarks at "Stand-Up for Human Rights," a night of stand-up comedy in English

Distinguished guests,

comedians,

colleagues and friends.

I am glad to be here with you tonight as we deploy comedy to advance human rights across the region.

Rights violations are hardly a laughing matter, and yet stand-up comedians can play a vital role in promoting human rights through humor.

In fact, many of the world’s celebrated comedians have been standing up for human rights by incorporating their views on discrimination and injustice into their routines.

By doing so, these comedians can reach a wider audience than even many human rights organizations can. 

Today is International Human Rights Day and the United Nations is celebrating it in part by staging this night of comedy.

We will listen to excellent performers from across the region confronting hatred and prejudices head on.

This will allow us to revel in our shared humanity and recognize that far more unites us than divides us.

The event is being streamed live to audiences in Asia and the Pacific and we hope it provides them with an opportunity to come together in laughter, reflect on human rights, and work towards a more peaceful and just world.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights maintains that all human beings are equal in dignity and value.

This historic document was adopted 75 years ago by the UN’s General Assembly.

Through it, States committed to upholding the rights of everyone, including their rights to education, decent employment, healthcare and freedom from discrimination.

The Declaration speaks across generations, cultures and communities throughout countries, regions and continents.

It reflects an agreement that equality and justice are universal values for us all. Societies can thrive only when everyone is treated justly and equally.

Our goal is to reinvigorate this guiding spirit by reflecting on lessons learned over the decades to face the challenges of today’s world with its geopolitical conflicts, enduring prejudices and many injustices.

Just as human rights are universal, so is laughter.

It is a common language that brings us all together, creating positive emotional connections between us.

It also enables us to handle difficult topics in a light-hearted manner.

This is what the participating comedians are doing tonight by telling relatable stories and shining a light on injustices.

They will be advancing social justice across the region in their own special ways.

I hope you will enjoy the show.

I also hope today’s event will leave you with a sense of urgency to raise your own voices in defense of human rights.   

Thank you.