In a poignant address to the Human Rights Council, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres voiced his deep concern over the global suffocation of human rights. He criticized polarising figures, whose pursuit of power and profit, he argues, diminishes these fundamental rights. Guterres painted a grim picture of a world under siege by warmongers and fearmongers, who see human dignity as a hindrance to their ambitions.
Guterres’s speech coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which he condemned strongly. He called for a permanent ceasefire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, alongside a plea for respect for the sovereignty of Congo. The U.N. chief pledged to introduce new strategic proposals to the Security Council aimed at restoring stability in Haiti amidst growing chaos.
He argued that human rights are increasingly threatened by a morally bankrupt financial system prioritising profits over planetary health. Additionally, Guterres highlighted the danger posed by those who misapply artificial intelligence, and by leaders exploiting societal division, all while undermining freedoms for migrants and women. He warned that autocrats grasp tightly to their power, fearing the potential of a truly informed and empowered citizenry, viewing universal rights as obstacles to their ambitions.
The U.N. Secretary-General’s remarks echoed with clarity amid a backdrop of political shifts, notably the recent U.S. decision to refrain from seeking a seat on the Human Rights Council. This council convenes thrice yearly, convening crucial discussions on global human rights matters. As the session unfolded, the stark realities outlined by Guterres caught the attention of member states, demanding urgent consideration.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned in a speech to the Human Rights Council that global human rights are under siege from autocrats and warmongers. He condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and called for peace in Palestine and respect for Congo’s sovereignty. Guterres highlighted the need for new strategies for stabilising Haiti and pointed to a financial system that prioritises profit over ethical responsibilities.
António Guterres’s impassioned speech serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to human rights globally. His calls for immediate action reflect the interconnected challenges posed by wars, autocratic regimes, and corporate greed. The urgency of his message resonates as nations face a pivotal moment to re-affirm their commitment to human rights and international stability, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and Haiti.
Original Source: www.sfchronicle.com
