UN Chief Warns of Global Assault on Human Rights Amid Multiple Crises

UN Chief Warns of Global Assault on Human Rights Amid Multiple Crises
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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that human rights are under widespread attack around the world, citing major crises in Sudan, Gaza Strip, and Ukraine as examples of where violations of international law and civilian suffering are intensifying. He made the remarks during the opening of the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva on Monday.

Guterres said the “rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force” as abuses of fundamental rights persist, and urged member states not to treat human rights standards as optional commitments. He emphasized that attacks on human rights are deliberate and occurring openly, often led by powerful actors.

Highlighting a growing humanitarian crisis, he noted that global needs are rising sharply while funding for human rights efforts is collapsing, a situation exacerbated by reduced contributions from key donors. The U.N. human rights system, he said, is operating in “survival mode” amid budget cuts and pressure on independent experts.

The speech reflects mounting concerns within the U.N. about the erosion of international human rights protections and the challenges of responding to multiple, overlapping crises worldwide.