World Justice Forum 2022 - Video statement by Michelle Bachelet

Distinguished speakers, 
Colleagues,

Thank you to the World Justice Project for convening this important Forum. It is a pleasure to participate.

Building more just communities – the theme of this discussion – is a core objective for all of us here today. Fighting against corruption and discrimination. Ensuring access to justice. These are all crucial steps towards achieving the most vital goals of this century – the Sustainable Development Goals.

These goals are at the heart of my Office’s priorities. In fact - together with our mandate for peace - they articulate the objectives of the mandate of the entire United Nations.

Acting on these goals must be the objective of not only the United Nations, but of all of us.

Last year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres laid out a vision of global cooperation in his Our Common Agenda report. In view of the persistent blame directed towards various groups for the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted the urgency of adopting comprehensive laws against discrimination.

Justice means equality. Justice means fairness. Justice means accountability, fighting impunity and offering redress. It also means leaving no one behind. In our deliberations today, we must not forget those who have traditionally been left on society’s margins, who have not had a voice to seek the justice that all human beings have the right to enjoy.

We have seen the dramatic impacts of the pandemic on minority communities. They have suffered loss of lives, livelihoods, educational opportunities. They have suffered loss of dignity. In many countries, we also see a rising tide of hatred and violence against minorities and migrants, as well as against other groups.

My Office will soon launch a guide on protecting minority rights, a how-to manual on developing comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. It will provide lawmakers and advocates with the tools and practical examples to develop legislation consistent with international legal standards on the rights to equality and non-discrimination. It will aim to assist States in meeting their core international law obligations. Finally, it will provide specific guidance on the link between anti-discrimination law and minority rights.

Colleagues,

Comprehensive anti-discrimination laws hold transformative power. At their simplest, they can advance positive changes in society by increasing understanding of discrimination, stimulating action to prevent it, and fostering a commitment to eliminating it.

With understanding, comes change. People exposed to discrimination because of their status, identity or beliefs, are able to challenge the treatment they have experienced. They have the tools to seek remedy for the harms they have suffered. And over time, with such change, marginalised groups are more visible and can participate in decision-making that affects them and all of society.

We must remember however that laws alone cannot be the sole driver of change. They must be part of dedicated whole-of-society responses, especially by States, in combatting structural, systemic and institutional discrimination.

We are seeing some examples of progress around the world. Many State authorities have worked to ensure people with physical, mobility or sensory impairments have better access to public spaces. Employers have proactively identified disparities in their workforces and have established programmes to increase participation by national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minority communities and other groups exposed to discrimination. And at the national level, States have adopted a range of innovative awareness-raising and education programs to combat stigma, stereotypes and prejudice.

But to achieve real equality, this kind of progress needs to be urgently replicated and expanded.

I am pleased that this at this year’s World Justice Forum, we will hear from minority and indigenous fellows who my Office supports worldwide. Human rights defenders from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. Minority and indigenous leaders and activists fighting against hate speech, hate crime and other human rights violations. Advocates working to advance racial justice and environmental justice. Community leaders who are addressing the situation of women and girls, of people with disabilities, as well as the rights to equality of LGBTQI people and communities.

I cannot emphasise enough how important it is that at a Forum like this, we hear from a diverse range of voices.

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." These are some of the most inspiring and powerful words in any United Nations document. I am convinced that with these words in mind, and by taking concrete action – together – we can turn the tide and advance towards a world which embraces this vision.

It is high time that we unite and redouble our efforts to ensure that no one, anywhere, is deprived of their human rights. I wish you excellent deliberations in our common work towards justice for all and a better future.