Global powers that themselves violate international law sit in Security Council: Guterres

In a critical statement, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized powerful nations that disregard international law by sitting on the Security Council. He emphasized the urgent need for reform of this crucial global institution. The Secretary-General stated that geopolitical divides have resulted in countries violating international law and remaining in the Security Council, which is hindering its ability to act effectively.

Guterres called for an absolute priority on reforming the Security Council, as its outdated composition does not reflect today's world. He further highlighted that the lack of power redistribution and the unchanging structure of multilateral institutions have contributed to impunity and widespread violations of international law, humanitarian law, and human rights law.

Guterres also mentioned the emergence of new global powers and the diminishing influence of developed countries in the world economy, necessitating a redistribution of power. He stressed the importance of reforming multilateral institutions, particularly the Security Council and the Bretton Woods system, to ensure their effectiveness in promoting peace, development, and human rights.