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U.N. Chief Warns Human Rights Under Global Assault
“Human rights are being outmuscled by force,” warns U.N. Secretary-General Guterres, citing crises in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and funding shortfalls that threaten investigations and humanitarian aid.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-23
U.N. Chief Warns Human Rights Under Global Assault

Human rights worldwide are under severe threat, the United Nations chief warned Monday, pointing to widespread abuses of international law and immense civilian suffering in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine.

“The rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. “Around the world, human rights are being pushed back deliberately, strategically, and sometimes proudly.”

Guterres highlighted funding shortages as a critical issue for the U.N.’s human rights efforts. The U.S., the world body’s largest donor, has contributed just $160 million of over $4 billion owed, leaving offices “in survival mode” amid rising humanitarian needs.

“Humanitarian needs are exploding while funding collapses,” Guterres said. U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk added that the world is experiencing its most intense competition for power and resources since World War Two, with widespread violations of basic rights.

Funding gaps have stalled investigations into alleged war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo and abuses in Afghanistan, which were launched in 2025 but remain inactive. Diplomats stressed that, despite some member states’ support, financial backing remains a critical challenge.

Guterres also issued a stark warning over the Palestinian territories, saying violations of international law threaten the viability of a Palestinian state. “The two-State solution is being stripped away in broad daylight. The international community cannot allow it to happen,” he said. The Israeli government recently approved measures tightening control over the West Bank, sparking accusations from Palestinians of “de-facto annexation.”

The ongoing conflict, combined with funding shortfalls and political tensions, underscores the fragile state of human rights enforcement globally. Guterres and Turk called on the international community to act decisively to end abuses in Sudan, Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine.
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