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Prince Charles pays tribute to human rights defenders in New Year message

  • The Prince of Wales paid tribute to people in places such as Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar facing political and religious persecution and insecurity
  • ‘I pray for peaceful resolutions to these conflicts and that we might all be blessed with the courage to support those in need, wherever they may be,’ Charles said

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Britain’s Prince Charles at Windsor Castle. Photo: AFP / Clarence House

Britain’s Prince Charles urged people in a New Year message to “take a moment” to recognise those “standing up for freedom and human rights” around the world.

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The heir to the British throne paid tribute to people in places such as Afghanistan, Syria and Myanmar facing political and religious persecution and insecurity alongside increasingly dire humanitarian situations.

“As we start a New Year, we might take a moment to remember the many people around the world who are standing up for freedom and human rights,” he said on Saturday.

“In the face of such adversity, incredibly brave individuals, local communities and international organisations are responding to great needs by providing vital assistance.

“I pray for peaceful resolutions to these conflicts and that we might all be blessed with the courage to support those in need, wherever they may be.”

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The Prince of Wales, 73 – in line to succeed his 95-year-old mother Queen Elizabeth – was active on the global political stage in 2021, addressing both the G20 summit in Rome and the COP26 UN climate change gathering in Scotland.
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