UN Chief Guterres Warns of Full-Scale Global Assault on Human Rights
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has warned that human rights worldwide are facing a “full-scale attack,” deliberately and strategically orchestrated. On Monday, February 22, at the opening of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he stated that these attacks are often openly carried out by those holding the greatest power.
Guterres emphasized that the rollback of human rights in many parts of the world is sometimes carried out with pride. According to him, weakening these values has widespread consequences: if human rights collapse, peace, development, social cohesion, public trust, and solidarity will also be damaged.
The Secretary-General highlighted the critical role of the Human Rights Council’s mechanisms, including special rapporteurs, investigative procedures, and the universal periodic review. He added that, given current circumstances, geopolitical interactions should serve to strengthen human rights rather than undermine them.
Referring to ongoing conflicts worldwide, he said that the widespread human suffering is, in some cases, justified, turning people into bargaining chips. He stated that international law is sometimes viewed as an obstacle, while growing conflicts and expanding impunity have complicated the situation further.
Guterres clarified that the current crisis is not due to a lack of knowledge or tools but is the result of political choices. He added that neglecting human rights is not merely an isolated crisis but exacerbates other global divides, pushing the most vulnerable further to the margins.
The UN Secretary-General noted that human rights are not just for peaceful times but represent a permanent commitment that must be defended even under difficult and costly conditions. He urged countries not to allow human rights to become victims of political expediency and geopolitical competition.
According to him, respecting human rights paves the way for freer lives, fairer economic growth, and the assurance of lasting peace and stability. Guterres called for immediate action to strengthen human rights institutions and uphold shared human foundations.
