UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday warned that human rights are being” suffocated” worldwide, criticizing tones of division and fury that perceive human rights as roadblocks to their pursuit of power and income.
In his address to the Human Rights Council, Guterres condemned Russia’s continuing conflict in Ukraine, marking its fourth anniversary, called for a continuous cease-fire between Palestinian militants and Israel, and stressed the need to value Congo’s territorial integrity, among other problems, according to AFP.
Guterres reiterated his concerns over global turmoil and climate change, and he also announced plans to submit fresh recommendations to the Security Council in order to improve Haiti’s stability and security. Haiti is now supported by a foreign security mission.
He painted a depressing image of a planet where warmongers are “on the ropes,” activists are attacking human rights, there is a “morally destitute global financial system” that prioritizes profit over environmental protection, people are harming artificial intelligence, and leaders are trying to dehumanize migrants and restrict women’s rights.
People right are being” suffocated by autocrats”, who love criticism for fear of compelled people, and by “voices of department and anger”, who see human rights not as a benefit to humanity, but as a deterrent to the power, income, and power they desire, he said.
US President Donald Trump made the announcement three weeks ago that the country would leave the council, even though the Biden administration had already decided not to run for re-election to a seat on the 47-member body when its current term came to an end last year.
The council meets three times each year, and the most recent session will be until April 4.
