Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, he also pointed out violations associated with economics, technology, climate change, migration, and gender.

“We have a significant task ahead of us. Human rights are the lifeline of humanity, but one by one, human rights are being strangled by autocrats, who suppress opposition because they dread what the genuinely empowered citizens would achieve,” he stated.

“The climate crisis and the financially flawed global system that frequently hinders the path to greater equality and sustainable development are both quenching the flame of human rights,” Guterres further noted.

At the same session, the Council’s head, Volker Türk warned of a “grave” scenario in a world where authoritarian figures are gaining ground.

“Estimates suggest autocrats now control about one third of the world’s economy, more than double their share 30 years ago,” he stated.

“Leaders invoke national security and the battle against terrorism to rationalize blatant violations. Hypocrisy, double standards, and a lack of accountability also play a role,” he added.

Volker stated that the global protection system established in the aftermath of World War II is under unprecedented stress.

He highlighted the importance of keeping human rights and the rule of law “fundamental to communities, societies, and international relationships.”