Oxfam welcomes Pope's message on human rights and justice for sustainable development

In response to Pope Francis’ speech at the opening of the Sustainable Development Summit, Oxfam International’s Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said: 

"At the opening of this historic Sustainable Development Summit, Pope Francis offered remarks stressing the centrality of human rights and justice in the attainment of sustainable development. 

"Oxfam welcomes this message and believes that in order to end extreme poverty and hunger by 2030 and fight climate change and inequality, the voices and power of the most vulnerable people must be strengthened so they can claim their rights. We, too, believe that economic and social exclusion is an offence to human rights, which is why closing the extreme inequality gap is an imperative.

"Governments and citizens must challenge the consolidated power of vested interests who seek excessive gain at the expense of people and the planet. Governments must implement the SDGs in an equitable and participatory manner and must reach a strong agreement on climate change in Paris that delivers for the poorest and most vulnerable.