António Guterres warned Monday that human rights are facing a “full-scale attack” across the globe, as he opened the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In his address, the UN chief said the rule of law is increasingly being replaced by “the rule of force,” with violations of international law occurring openly and, in some cases, without accountability.
“Human rights are being pushed back deliberately, strategically and sometimes proudly,” Guterres said, describing a troubling global pattern that extends beyond isolated conflicts.
He pointed to ongoing wars and crises, including the conflict in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, and violations in the occupied Palestinian territory, warning that continued instability and disregard for international norms are eroding prospects for peace and a two-state solution. He also stressed that civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence and political deadlock.
The Secretary-General linked the deterioration of human rights to widening inequality, climate change, shrinking humanitarian funding, and the misuse of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to fuel discrimination and suppress dissent.
Guterres called for renewed commitment to multilateralism and stronger international institutions, including reforms to the UN Security Council to better reflect current geopolitical realities. He emphasized that human rights must remain central to global peace, security, and sustainable development efforts.
“Human rights are not optional,” he said. “They are the foundation of a more just and secure world.”
The current session of the Human Rights Council is set to run through late March, with discussions expected to focus on accountability, conflict-related abuses, and strengthening protections for vulnerable populations worldwide.
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