New Delhi, May 27: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the “dangerous decline” in respect for international law. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, he highlighted that fundamental principles such as sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political freedom, and the prohibition of the use or threat of force are being challenged or ignored.
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, Guterres pointed out that there is a lack of accountability for violations of these rules, leading to an increasing trend of evading punishment. He stated that the UN Charter remains the world’s greatest hope for peace, but its effectiveness depends on how seriously those responsible for its implementation take their duties.
He warned that geopolitical differences are escalating, trust among nations is diminishing, and reaching consensus is becoming increasingly difficult. “At times, the Security Council fails to act in unity and with a clear purpose. When the Council is divided, its impact is not confined to this room but resonates throughout the world,” he noted.
Guterres expressed alarm at the rising number of conflicts worldwide, which are becoming more severe. “Today, we are witnessing the highest number of conflicts since the establishment of the United Nations. External interference is also increasing, including the supply of weapons like drones, which often target civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he added.
He pointed out that violence levels and complexity are continuously rising in regions such as the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, and many others. Guterres also raised concerns about the arms race that is rapidly escalating and creating instability.
To address these challenges, he emphasized the need for action in three areas: preventing conflicts and establishing peace, respecting international law, and reforming the UN Security Council. He called for strengthening the entire multilateral global system and urged all member states of the Security Council to consistently uphold the UN Charter, work in the interest of peace, rebuild trust through leadership and mutual understanding, and ensure that the UN remains the platform for resolving issues, safeguarding international law, and maintaining peace and security in the world.
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