UN Secretary-General Guterres Warns UN Charter Under Assault at 80th Anniversary

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the UN Charter is under unprecedented assault as the world body marked its 80th anniversary, emphasizing that the Charter is the bedrock of international relations and not an optional or selective document. He criticized the all-too-familiar pattern where states follow the Charter when it suits them but ignore it otherwise, highlighting ongoing conflicts such as Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's actions in Gaza as examples of Charter violations. Guterres condemned breaches including the use of force against sovereign nations, violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, targeting civilians, and the weaponization of food and water. Recent accusations include Iran condemning U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities, with the U.S. justifying the actions under self-defense. Senior U.S. diplomat McCoy Pitt acknowledged the UN's contributions but expressed regret that the organization has lost sight of its founding mission amid ongoing wars, urging renewed commitment to the Charter’s principles as a continuous call to action for peace, justice, and progress. The UN Charter, signed in 1945 to prevent war and uphold human dignity and equality, remains a foundational tool for international cooperation despite current challenges.