UN Human Rights Chief Cites Global Trends Undermining International Order and Human Rights

International human rights are increasingly under threat from a range of alarming global trends, according to the latest warnings from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Speaking on the eve of the 2025 UN General Assembly, the High Commissioner emphasized the deteriorating state of human rights and the erosion of the rules-based international order, highlighting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a central case study.

Escalating Conflicts and Systemic Violations

The High Commissioner pointed to a pattern of escalating armed conflicts and widespread violations of . The war in Ukraine has not only caused massive civilian suffering but has also set a precedent that challenges the principles of . Reports from the field indicate continued unlawful attacks on civilian infrastructure and deliberate targeting of critical services, including energy and water supplies.

The High Commissioner stressed that these actions are not isolated but part of a broader trend where the norms of the international order are increasingly ignored. This has a cascading effect, emboldening other actors to act with impunity in regions experiencing instability and conflict.

Global Implications for Human Rights Frameworks

The erosion of the international order has had a direct impact on the enforcement of human rights protections. In multiple conflict zones, the High Commissioner noted, the ability of the UN and other international bodies to monitor, investigate, and respond to human rights abuses has been hampered by restricted access and political resistance.

The High Commissioner also warned of the growing use of disinformation and propaganda to justify aggression and suppress dissent. These tactics not only distort public perception but also create an environment where accountability is sidelined and atrocities go unchallenged.

Urgent Call for Restored Commitment

The High Commissioner reiterated that the international community must reaffirm its commitment to upholding the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With rising geopolitical tensions and fragmentation of multilateral institutions, the need for a renewed global consensus on human rights and international law has never been greater.

The message was clear: without a collective effort to reinforce the foundations of international order, the gains of decades in promoting peace and human dignity risk being undone. The High Commissioner urged all states to uphold their obligations and to hold accountable those responsible for flagrant violations of international law.