Guterres warns the Security Council: The rule of law is collapsing in the face of the law of the jungle
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning to the Security Council, asserting that the world is at a critical juncture where the rule of law is being replaced by what he termed the “law of the jungle.” In his address during the open debate on the rule of international law, Guterres indicated that this principle, the cornerstone of global peace and security and the very heart of the UN Charter, faces an unprecedented existential threat.
The collapse of international values and the proliferation of conflict zones
Guterres explained that the current international landscape is rife with flagrant violations of international law and a blatant disregard for UN charters. He pointed out that international law has become selectively applied in many conflicts, as if it were a "menu of options" from which leaders pick and choose what suits their interests while ignoring what contradicts them. The Secretary-General cited a series of raging crises, from the war in Gaza to the conflict in Ukraine, from the unrest in the Sahel region of Africa to the situations in Myanmar and Venezuela, emphasizing that these conflicts are witnessing grave violations with no real deterrent.
Historical context: A charter established to end chaos
To understand the depth of Guterres' warnings, one must return to the historical roots of the United Nations' founding. The UN Charter was established after World War II with the primary objective of saving future generations from the scourge of war by establishing legally binding rules to prevent the unlawful use of force. However, what the world is witnessing today—the targeting of civilian infrastructure, human rights violations, the illegal development of nuclear weapons, and unconstitutional changes of government—represents a dangerous regression to the chaos that preceded the establishment of the modern international order.
Consequences of the absence of international accountability
The Secretary-General warned that the continuation of these violations sets extremely dangerous precedents, as impunity fuels mistrust and deepens divisions between nations, undermining public confidence in international institutions and their ability to find common solutions. He stressed that denying life-saving humanitarian assistance and using starvation as a weapon are practices that take humanity back to the dark ages.
The need to reform the Security Council
In the context of solutions, Guterres reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Security Council as the only body authorized to make binding decisions, emphasizing that its responsibility is unique and its commitment universal. However, he clearly indicated that reforming the Council is imperative to enhance its representation and effectiveness, reflecting the current geopolitical reality rather than that of 1945. He affirmed his determination to continue efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace that addresses the root causes of conflicts, not just their symptoms.
A roadmap to save the rule of law
Guterres concluded his speech by identifying three crucial areas of action for the future:
- It is essential for countries to fulfill their international promises and obligations.
- Making full use of the dispute resolution mechanisms provided for in the Charter to proactively prevent conflicts from arising.
- Promoting the use of fair and independent judicial procedures to ensure accountability.
He called on all states, and especially members of the Security Council, to be “good role models” in respecting international law and fulfilling commitments.
