GENEVA (AP) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concerns regarding the state of human rights globally, asserting that they are being "suffocated" by divisive and anger-driven rhetoric that seeks power and profit at the expense of personal freedoms. In a poignant address to the Human Rights Council, he condemned various geopolitical conflicts, most notably Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, which recently marked its third anniversary.
During his speech, Guterres not only called for an end to the conflict in Ukraine but also urged for a permanent cease-fire between Palestinian militants and Israel. He emphasized the importance of upholding the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among other urgent issues. His remarks highlight a broader theme of advocating for peace and stability in areas affected by violence and political upheaval.
Reiterating his apprehensions regarding conflicts fueled by climate change, Guterres signaled his intention to put forth new strategies to the Security Council aimed at enhancing security and stability in Haiti, where a multinational security support mission is currently active. The U.N. chief painted a dismal picture of a world where human rights are "on the ropes," constantly being undermined by a combination of warmongers, a "morally bankrupt global financial system," and leaders who exploit technology, particularly artificial intelligence, for harmful purposes.
He described a troubling landscape in which human rights are threatened by autocrats suppressing dissent out of fear of an empowered populace. Guterres emphasized that the fight for human rights is being obstructed by voices of division that perceive these rights as obstacles to their own ambitions for power and profit. He articulated that this exploitation extends to anti-migrant sentiments and the restriction of women's rights, for which he highlighted the urgent need for a collective awakening and action.
In a related context, Guterres's concerns were echoed against the backdrop of recent developments involving the United States. Just three weeks before Guterres's speech, former President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Human Rights Council, a decision the Biden administration had previously made regarding its participation in the 47-member body. The council convenes three times a year, with the current session set to run until April 4, 2025, emphasizing its ongoing importance as a platform for international human rights advocacy.
The environment surrounding the Human Rights Council session highlights the contrasting international stances on human rights and raises questions about future global leadership on these critical issues. The need for actionable measures and increased cooperative efforts among nations is evident as the U.N. seeks to address the multifaceted threats to human rights worldwide.
