UN Chief Warns ‘Law of the Jungle’ Is Undermining International Rule of Law

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday that the international rule of law is under growing threat, cautioning that global relations are increasingly governed by “the law of the jungle” rather than by agreed legal norms

Speaking during an open debate at the UN Security Council, Guterres said respect for international law — a cornerstone of peace, security and multilateral cooperation — is being steadily eroded amid rising geopolitical tensions and protracted conflicts.

“The rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle,” Guterres told diplomats, stressing that selective adherence to international obligations weakens trust between nations and fuels instability worldwide.

He cited ongoing violations including the illegal use of force, attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, breaches of international humanitarian law, restrictions on humanitarian access and unconstitutional changes of government. Such practices, he warned, set dangerous precedents and undermine the credibility of the international system.

“The United Nations Charter is not optional,” the secretary-general said, emphasizing that all member states are legally bound by its principles, including respect for sovereignty, human rights and peaceful dispute resolution.

Guterres also underscored the responsibility of the Security Council as the only UN body empowered to adopt legally binding decisions on matters of international peace and security. He called for renewed commitment to multilateralism and for reforms to ensure the Council remains effective and representative in a rapidly changing global landscape.

His remarks come as conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to escalate in several regions, deepening concerns over the weakening of international norms and the growing fragmentation of the global order.