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UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned Tuesday that the UN Charter principles are under “profound strain” amid escalating conflicts, widening geopolitical divisions, and weakening respect for international law worldwide.
He said the Charter was created as a “survival guide for humanity” to ensure the force of law prevails over law of force, but stressed these principles are now under serious pressure.
Addressing Security Council high-level debate on upholding the UN Charter and strengthening UN-centred international system, Guterres said the world is witnessing highest number of conflicts since United Nations was founded, along with rising external interference.
He pointed to growing violence in Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine and other regions, warning increasing use of drones and modern weapons is putting civilians and infrastructure at greater risk.
Guterres warned of “dangerous erosion” of international law, saying core principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence are being challenged or ignored, while violations often go unpunished.
He noted widening geopolitical divisions, rising mistrust among states, and declining unity within international institutions, including Security Council, he said is struggling to act with consistency.
The UN chief expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, including Gaza and Lebanon, warning that continued escalation could further destabilize global peace and security.
Calling for urgent reforms of global institutions to reflect current realities, Guterres stressed political will is essential to uphold the UN Charter and prevent further erosion of international system.