UNITED NATIONS — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday that the global system of international law is being undermined, with states increasingly acting with impunity in conflicts, humanitarian crises and geopolitical disputes.
Speaking at an open debate of the UN Security Council on “Reaffirming the International Rule of Law: Pathways to Reinvigorating Peace, Justice and Multilateralism,” Guterres said that the “rule of law is being replaced by the law of the jungle.”
Guterres told the Security Council that flagrant violations of international law, including illegal use of force, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, human rights abuses, and obstruction of humanitarian aid, are occurring “with impunity.” He said such actions reflect a dangerous trend away from legal norms toward a world governed by might over right.
The secretary-general emphasized that states are increasingly treating international law “as an à-la-carte menu,” choosing which obligations to follow and disregarding others. This, he said, undermines trust among nations and weakens the international legal order.
Guterres referenced ongoing and prolonged conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine, the Sahel and Myanmar, saying these crises illustrate how international legal standards are being ignored in practice.
He also expressed concern about recent major military actions by states that have raised questions about compliance with fundamental legal obligations under the UN Charter, the treaty at the heart of the modern international system that prohibits the use of force except in self-defense or with Security Council authorization.
Guterres reiterated that the UN Charter and related legal instruments remain essential to global peace and security, binding all member states, large and small, to the same standards. He said respect for international law is particularly critical for safeguarding sovereignty, human rights and political independence, especially for smaller and historically disadvantaged countries.
The secretary-general called on member states to recommit to the UN Charter’s principles, use established dispute-resolution mechanisms, and promote fair, independent judicial processes to prevent conflict and uphold justice.
Guterres defended the UN Security Council as the only body with the authority under the Charter to adopt binding decisions on peace and security. He said no other group, organization or ad-hoc coalition can legally require all states to comply with decisions on peace, security and the use of force.
The secretary-general’s remarks highlight growing international concern over enforcement gaps in global governance and the potential erosion of norms that have underpinned the post-World War II rules-based order. Analysts say weakening respect for international law could reduce the effectiveness of diplomacy and heighten geopolitical tensions.
Originally Published By: International news agencies and United Nations sources.
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