Global human rights are at a crisis point as the world’s rule of law is being eclipsed by the rule of force, with UN chief calling out rising conflicts, impunity, and shrinking aid, while technology—especially AI—spreads discrimination online and offline.

Violations persist in conflict zones like Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, and rights must not be treated as negotiable, with civilians suffering as funding gaps undermine protection efforts.

Two investigations launched in 2025—on potential war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo and abuses in Afghanistan—remain non-operational due to funding shortfalls.

The UN rights office faces a budget crunch after funding cuts from major donors, with the United States having paid only about $160 million of its over-$4-billion pledge, amid growing humanitarian needs.

Analysts describe a dual crisis of escalating geopolitical abuses and weakening institutions, as funding gaps and political attacks curb the UN’s ability to respond.

Public support for a Palestinian state coexists with Israeli leadership framing any such state as a security threat, complicating peace prospects.

These remarks come during a UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, on the eve of the secretary-general’s anticipated departure later this year.

The secretary-general defends the UN human rights system as being in ‘survival mode’ due to funding cuts, expert attacks, and the US withdrawal from a key accountability mechanism.

International law is challenged by belligerent states and selective disengagement of powers from accountability, leaving civilians more vulnerable.

Democracies are eroding as migrants are harassed, refugees scapegoated, and minorities including LGBTIQ+ communities face intensified discrimination.

Humanitarian needs are exploding while funding collapses, with donor cuts—especially from the United States—shrinking protection and rights programs.

Ahead of stepping down, the secretary-general urged urgent international action to reverse the rights decline and warned that power could rewrite the rulebook if vulnerable groups are left behind.