United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns over the current state of the UN Security Council and repeated violations of international law around the world.
Speaking ahead of the high-level week of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Guterres said geopolitical divisions among major powers were seriously undermining the Security Council’s ability to act.
“The Security Council Is Paralyzed”
Guterres argued that some major powers accused of violating international law also hold influential positions within the Security Council, contributing to the institution’s inability to respond effectively to major international crises.
The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, but Guterres said deep geopolitical divisions have increasingly prevented it from taking effective action.
A Growing “Culture of Impunity”
According to Guterres, violations of international law by powerful countries risk encouraging other states to disregard the same rules.
He warned that countries may begin asking, “If the superpowers violate the rules, why shouldn’t we?”
Guterres said this dynamic is contributing to a culture of impunity in which international law, international humanitarian law and human rights law are increasingly violated.
Guterres Calls for Security Council Reform
The UN chief also renewed his call for reform of the Security Council, describing it as an “absolute priority.”
Guterres said the Council’s current structure reflects global power relations from decades ago rather than the economic, demographic and geopolitical realities of today.
“The Council Does Not Reflect Today’s World”
Guterres argued that developing countries should have stronger representation in international decision-making institutions.
He said the failure to reform the Security Council is one of the factors contributing to its current difficulties in responding to international crises.
Remarks Come Ahead of UN General Assembly Meetings
Guterres’ comments came as world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the high-level meetings of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
International peace and security, ongoing conflicts, respect for international law and the future of the multilateral system are expected to be among the major issues discussed during the meetings.
