On 24 February 2026, at the opening of the session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres denounced an attack « large scale » against human rights around the world. He pointed to the proliferation of conflicts, increasing impunity, the repression of civil liberties and the erosion of the rule of law, saying that « when human rights shrink, everything collapses: peace, development, social cohesion « . He referred in particular to the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the crises in the Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Calling for the uncompromising defence of the United Nations Charter and international law, @antonioguterres stressed the need to reform multilateral institutions, in particular the Security Council, in order to better protect civilians and combat impunity. He also called for a stronger link between human rights, peace and sustainable development, while cautioning against the misuse of new technologies and increasing inequalities. In conclusion, he urged States not to allow human dignity to become the victim of geopolitical rivalries.
