The 38th floor: excerpts from statements by UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar made between 1 October and 31 December 1989.

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Excerpts from statements by UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar made between 1 October and 31 December 1989

Turning to the UN ...

As we observe United Nations Day this year, there are growing signs that international relations may be entering a new and more positive era. As rarely before, nations are now recognizing that they must address international problems multilaterally, through consultation and compromise. And, increasingly, they are turning to the United Nations. At such a time, it is encouraging that the search for the bases of peace between the most powerful nations is also finding practical expression within the world Organization. There is a growing determination on their part to work together with the other members of the Security Council and, indeed, with the membership of the Organization as a whole, for the resolution of certain long-standing disputes. Moreover, the dangers of the new generation of global problems, such as the degradation of the environment and drug abuse, have compelled all nations to realize that solutions can only be found through collective action.

On the occasion of United Nations Day,

24 October

The yearning of peoples...

The yearning of peoples all over the world for their basic human dignity and their growing demand for the fulfilment of their human rights now constitute political facts of paramount importance. We have but to look at various situations of conflict around the globe to see how discrimination and the denial of fundamental rights engender resentment and violence that tear apart the fabric of peace.

On Human Rights Day, 10 December Where the social fabric is woven...

The home and family are the nucleus of the global community. The home is where we bring up our children, where we find our values, where we develop our abilities: the home is where the fabric of society is woven. Today, there are over 1 billion people who do not have adequate shelter. If present trends continue, the number of homeless and those with inadequate shelter will increase by many millions each year. Without proper shelter, a stable family life becomes almost impossible.

On the occasion of World Habitat Day, 2 October

A new open-mindedness...

Over the years, the United Nations has launched peace-keeping missions in a variety of situations. All these were undertaken during a phase of international relations overshadowed by the cold war. Now, when the frozen positions of that dark and dangerous phase have...