Nations should support youth when they cry for democracy: UN

United Nations, Sep 15: United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon has said that nations have to support the youth when they "cry out for democracy", a statement that comes in the backdrop of recent uprisings in some of the Arab countries.

With more than a quarter of the world's population in the 10-24 age bracket, Moon said nations have to support the youth when they "cry out for democracy", stand squarely on the side of human rights, demand freedom from oppression and seek opportunities for a better life.

Talking about the growth in world population, he said it is slated to reach 7 billion by next month end and this "milestone" serves as a "call to action" to governments and citizens to address a myriad of challenges including poverty, violence against women and inequality.

"The seven billionth citizen will be born into a world of contradictions. We have plenty of food yet millions are still starving.

We see luxurious lifestyles yet millions are impoverished. We have great opportunities for progress but also great obstacles," Moon said.

The UN Secretary General was speaking at a panel discussion held here yesterday at the launch of a global initiative ''7 Billion Actions'' that brought together governments, businesses and individuals to focus on challenges and opportunities that a world of seven billion people has to offer.

PTI