GENEVA (14 June 2024) – The UN Independent Expert on international solidarity today called for global unity as millions of Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid ul-Adha in the spirit of generosity and solidarity with those in need. “As war and violent conflict continues to propagate across the globe, the world is at a critical juncture, with the need for all peoples to come together in solidarity with one another to achieve peace and security more urgent than ever,” Cecilia Bailliet said. “Engendering trust and mutual respect between States and non-State actors to foster peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights is essential for garnering peace, and young people today are at the forefront in calling for change.” The expert said that the importance of expanding the political participation of all people in international solidarity actions and of improving international prevention and reactive responses to global challenges, including health emergencies, climate change, forced migration, poverty, structural discrimination, and violence is vitally important. “Preventing and removing the causes of inequities between and within States, as well as the structural obstacles that generate and perpetuate inequality worldwide is essential for ensuring peace and security for present and future generations,” Bailliet said. “There is a need to promote intercultural dialogue, community with diversity, compassion, and inclusion of all for a sustainable future.” *The expert: Cecilia M Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity. The Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity. **International solidarity is the expression of a spirit of unity among individuals, peoples, civil society actors, businesses, States, and international organizations to pursue networked multilateralism promoting social cohesion and trust. For more information and media requests please contact: hrc-ie-solidarity@un.org For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts, please contact Dharisha Indraguptha (dharisha.indraguptha@un.org) or John Newland (john.newland@un.org) Follow news related to the UN’s independent human rights experts on Twitter @UN_SPExperts.