UN chief warns of global rise of ‘rule of force’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered his opening address to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s annual session in Geneva, emphasizing that human rights are under unprecedented attack globally. He declared: “Human rights are being pushed back deliberately, strategically—and sometimes proudly—around the world.”

The UN chief warned of a stark reality where military might trumps international law and technological advancements facilitate assaults on human dignity. Guterres highlighted Russia’s brutal conflict in Ukraine, noting more than 15,000 civilians had perished over four years of strife. “It is past time to end the violence,” he implored.

In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Guterres denounced a disturbing trajectory: The two-state solution was being dismantled openly and purposefully under Israeli occupation. He declared it unacceptable for an international community not to act against this blatant violation of human rights and international law.

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, echoed these concerns, describing a “deeply worrying trend” where power dominates over justice and equality. “The gears of global power are shifting,” Turk warned, urging the world to unite in defense of humanity’s most basic rights.

As traditional donors like Washington slashed foreign aid following Trump’s return to office, Guterres observed that human rights crises cascade into broader social issues. He cited climate change acceleration alongside technology, particularly artificial intelligence, being used to suppress rights and deepen inequality—both online and offline.

Turk lambasted leaders who claim “exceptional status,” using economic power or spreading disinformation for personal gain at the expense of marginalized communities. Guterres warned that across every front, those already vulnerable are pushed to the margins, with migrants harassed, arrested, and expelled without regard for their human rights.

In this climate, Guterres emphasized that no one is immune: “Democracies eroding… refugees scapegoated… LGBTIQ+ communities vilified.” As he prepares to step down after a decade at the UN helm, Guterres called for urgent action to reverse this perilous trend. He urged the international community to resist writing new rules where rights vanish and power knows no limits.

“Do not let power write a new rulebook in which the vulnerable have no rights and the powerful have no limits,” he declared.