United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concerns about the alarming suffocation of human rights globally. Speaking at the Human Rights Council, he condemned the divisive rhetoric of leaders who perceive human rights as obstacles hindering their ambitions for power and profit. Guterres’s speech coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s aggressive conflict in Ukraine, alongside calls for immediate ceasefires in regions like Palestine and respect for Congo’s sovereignty.
In his address, Guterres highlighted a world grappling with serious crises, where conflict and climate change lay heavy on the conscience of mankind. He pledged to present innovative proposals to the Security Council aimed at enhancing stability and ensuring safety for the people of Haiti, currently benefiting from multinational security support. His tone was urgent as he described human rights as being “on the ropes and being pummeled hard” by those prioritising wealth over welfare.
The UN chief painted a stark picture of a morally compromised financial system that exploits individuals while fueling conflict and hatred. He urged a collective resistance against those who demonise migrants, restrict women’s rights, and misuse technology to inflict harm. His portrayal of autocrats highlighted their fear of empowered voices, which he asserted leads to oppressive actions against dissenters and the curtailment of freedoms. Amid these troubling dynamics, he pinpointed leaders who thrive on controversy, using it to gain control.
In a notable sidestep from the council’s proceedings, former U.S. President Donald Trump had recently confirmed the U.S. withdrawal from the body, although the Biden administration had no intention of seeking a new seat. The Human Rights Council holds sessions thrice yearly, with the current session slated to cover discussions until April 4, presenting critical opportunities for dialogue about global human rights challenges.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the repression of human rights by autocrats and warmongers in his speech to the Human Rights Council. He lamented the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, called for ceasefires in conflict zones, and pledged new initiatives for Haiti. Guterres emphasised the need to resist divisive rhetoric while advocating for universal human rights and stability globally.
In summary, Guterres’s plea draws attention to the universal threats against human rights, as he warns of autocrats and warmongers undermining global stability for their gain. As he calls for unity against oppression, the urgent tone of his address resonates with the need for a fundamental respect for rights and freedoms. The path towards a more just world requires not just awareness but also decisive action to counter the forces that seek to silence those who dare to speak out for justice.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
