UN Secretary-General Sounds Alarm at United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva
Human rights are under assault worldwide, warned António Guterres on Monday, citing growing violations of international law and escalating civilian suffering in conflict zones including Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine.
Speaking at the opening session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UN Secretary-General delivered a stark assessment of the global human rights situation.
“The rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force,” Guterres said, urging governments not to treat international human rights obligations as optional commitments.
His remarks come amid intensifying conflicts, shrinking humanitarian funding, and mounting political pressure on international accountability mechanisms.
Conflicts Driving Civilian Suffering
Guterres pointed to devastating civilian tolls in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine as evidence that international humanitarian law is being systematically undermined.
In Sudan, months of fighting have displaced millions and pushed communities toward famine conditions. In Gaza, ongoing violence has triggered widespread destruction and humanitarian distress. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine continues to strain global diplomatic and security systems.
According to Guterres, these crises reflect a broader global trend where geopolitical rivalries increasingly override legal norms designed to protect civilians.
“Human rights are not a menu from which states can pick and choose,” he stressed.
UN Human Rights System in Survival Mode
Beyond the conflicts themselves, the UN chief warned that the international human rights system is facing severe institutional strain.
The broader United Nations is grappling with a funding crisis, largely due to delayed or reduced contributions from major donor countries. The United States, historically the UN’s largest financial contributor, recently paid approximately $160 million toward more than $4 billion in outstanding obligations, according to a UN spokesperson.
As a result, humanitarian operations and rights monitoring programs are increasingly stretched.
“Humanitarian needs are exploding while funding collapses,” Guterres said, describing the system as operating in survival mode.
He also referenced attacks on independent human rights experts and Washington’s withdrawal from a key universal accountability mechanism earlier this year, moves that critics argue weaken global oversight.
Growing Pressure on International Law
The UN Secretary-General’s warning reflects mounting concern among diplomats and analysts that the post World War II international order is under sustained stress.
From protracted wars to political polarization and economic instability, multiple forces are converging to test institutions built to safeguard peace and human dignity.
Guterres urged member states to recommit to international cooperation and strengthen mechanisms designed to uphold accountability.
“The protection of human rights is not an abstract principle,” he said. “It is the foundation of peace, stability, and sustainable development.”
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