A/HRC/43/3 110. Assisting States to create and maintain a positive dynamic, so that civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights work in synergy for maximum positive effect, is an essential role for the United Nations as a whole. OHCHR participates very robustly in that task, and the genuine collaboration by many States is very much appreciated. 111. The eruption of street protests across a large number of countries in 2019, underscores the imperative of applying an inequalities lens to their analysis. While each of the protests takes place in its own context, for its own reasons, inequalities are a factor in most, or many, of these situations. 112. Many of the demands in these recent protests relate to economic and social inequalities and rights. However, to the extent that those economic and social rights cannot be claimed without the ability to speak, assemble and protest, they are, intrinsically, about civil and political rights, too. We therefore need to view civil and political rights, together with economic and social rights, as a comprehensive and integrated picture. Today’s protests may be triggered by economic measures; but they are bridging traditional sectarian and political divides and raising issues across the entire spectrum of the human rights agenda – bringing the indivisibility of those rights into heightened perspective. 113. While continuing to emphasize indivisibility, many high-income and middleincome countries have failed to take economic, social and cultural rights seriously, as rights. Under international laws and treaties, they are legal obligations. States are bound to maximize available resources to measurably improve the lives of all individuals living in their country. 114. The 2030 Agenda is about realizing an economic transformation that promotes greater freedom, well-being, justice and rights for current and future generations. For the first time in human history, we have the capacity to end extreme poverty, and advance universal social protection and universal health coverage. The cost of doing nothing is far too expensive. 115. Reacting to demonstrations by restricting civic space does not make anyone safer. In fact, by shutting down people’s voices, it leaves injustices festering, generates rising social tension, and essentially forces people onto the streets. It fuels insecurity, extremism and involuntary migration. 116. Climate change, rising nationalism and hatred, and forced displacement and migration pose fundamental questions about our future. All of these problems require multilateral responses. However, it is precisely at this moment of growing complexity and interconnectedness that some leaders are turning away from cooperative, global efforts to seek solutions. 117. Nationalism, hatred, and discrimination are interlinked and can severely impact the future of our world. Nationalism is on the rise in many countries, accompanied by outspoken racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, including attacks on women’s rights, and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. Pushbacks against the rights of racial and religious minorities in some countries are also a source of concern. Demonizing society’s most vulnerable and marginalized people for political gain is anathema to our shared commitment in the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind. It is our shared responsibility to call out such abuses and to protect those at risk. 118. There are some 272 million international migrants around the world. Walls and barriers are built, children are detained and people risk their lives in more dangerous journeys. Yet, women, men and children seeking safety and dignity are not criminals. Most are moving because they have no other choice. Denying these realities will bring security to no one. It can only create danger and death, and more suffering. 119. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted by an overwhelming majority of Member States in 2018, recognized that we do not have to trade our humanity for security, and that by working together we can both protect the rights of all people on the move, and ensure greater safety and opportunity. 16