During the opening of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Secretary-General sternly addressed those who promote war and disregard international laws.

As of now, Ukraine has witnessed over 12,600 civilians killed, countless more injured, and entire communities devastated. The UN chief emphasized the need to exert all efforts in ending this conflict and achieving a lasting, just peace in accordance with the UN Charter and international laws.

“Human rights are being suffocated one by one,” Mr. Guterres added, highlighting autocrats suppressing opposition for fear of empowered populations amidst conflicts that strip people of basic rights to food, water, and education.

Focusing on the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the UN leader stressed the importance of avoiding any resumption of hostilities for the welfare of the people who have suffered 15 months of continuous Israeli attacks. He also expressed deep concern over increasing violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and violations that include calls for annexation.

“It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, release of all hostages, progress towards a two-State solution, the end of occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, including Gaza as an integral part.”

Voices of anger

Amid growing intolerance towards society’s vulnerable, including indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, the LGBTQI+ community, and persons with disabilities, the UN Secretary-General also criticized voices of “division and anger” that view human rights as threats to power, profit, and control.

Echoing the Secretary-General’s concerns, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that human rights are currently under severe threat, risking 80 years of international cooperation. He noted the significant strain this imposes on the international human rights framework built over decades.

Highlighting the suffering in Ukraine and Gaza, where Russian attacks have caused “wanton destruction,” Mr. Türk called for an independent investigation into the grave violations of international law by Israel and Hamas-led groups.

Mr. Türk also firmly condemned any suggestions that people could be forcibly removed from their land, especially in response to proposals for resettling Gazans outside the devastated Strip.