Guterres: Tyrants and Warmongers Have Silenced Human Rights

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, criticized the 'silencing' of human rights worldwide, pointing to the 'anger and division' of opportunists and power-seekers who view human rights as an obstacle to their ambitions. In his speech on Monday, March 6, during the opening of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Guterres attributed the 'silencing' of human rights to the crushing of dissent by 'tyrants' and the 'anger and division' of those who see human rights not as a boon for humanity but as a barrier to their pursuit of power, profit, and dominance. He criticized the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has lasted three years, and called for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants, as well as respect for the territorial integrity of the Congo. The UN Secretary-General expressed concern about current conflicts and climate change, announcing his intention to present new proposals to the UN Security Council regarding the establishment of stability and security for the people of Haiti. Guterres described human rights as under attack from 'warmongers' and a morally bankrupt global financial system that prioritizes profit over the protection of the planet. He identified abusers who harm people through artificial intelligence and leaders who seek to demonize migrants or restrict women's rights as human rights violators. Three weeks ago, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, announced that the country would withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council. Following the end of the three-year membership period of the U.S. in the 47-member Human Rights Council at the end of last year, former President Joe Biden had announced the non-renewal of the U.S. membership in this council. The UN Human Rights Council meets three times a year.