United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded a stark warning on Monday, declaring that human rights are under attack across the globe. Speaking at the opening of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he cited widespread violations and severe civilian suffering in conflict zones including Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, emphasizing that “the rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force.”
Guterres underscored that the erosion of international human rights is often deliberate, cautioning against treating rights as a selective or negotiable menu. He defended the U.N.’s human rights mechanisms, which he described as operating in “survival mode” amid attacks on experts, withdrawal of key accountability frameworks by the United States, and severe funding shortfalls.
The secretary-general highlighted that humanitarian needs are rapidly escalating, even as budgets shrink. Following recent funding cuts by the U.S. and other donor countries, the U.N. human rights office faces a significant financial crunch. While Washington disbursed about $160 million in February, it remains far behind the over $4 billion owed to the organization, placing additional strain on global human rights operations.
Analysis
Guterres’ remarks reflect a dual crisis: rising geopolitical conflicts driving widespread abuses, and the weakening of the very institutions designed to uphold international norms. Funding gaps, coupled with political attacks on human rights mechanisms, threaten the U.N.’s capacity to respond effectively to crises. The situation underscores a broader trend where international law is challenged not just by belligerent states, but also by the selective disengagement of major powers from accountability systems, leaving civilians increasingly vulnerable.
With information from Reuters.
