UN Criticizes Security Council's Inaction on Global Conflicts

During a high-level meeting at the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the Security Council for its inability to effectively address ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. He emphasized that peace requires decisive action and leadership, which is currently lacking due to deep geopolitical divisions among council members. Guterres highlighted the detrimental impact of these divisions, including repeated violations of the U.N. Charter and international law, resulting in escalating violence and suffering for civilians. The council's inaction on Ukraine is largely attributed to Russia's veto power, as it is both a member of the council and a party to the conflict. Similarly, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has seen limited action due to the influence of the United States, another veto-wielding member. In Sudan, internal divisions among council members hinder a unified response to the ongoing crisis. Guterres called for unity among council members, urging them to adhere to the U.N. Charter and international law to facilitate peace in these regions. He noted that a divided council cannot achieve meaningful progress and stressed the importance of collaboration, as demonstrated by the council's successful oversight of peacekeeping operations and humanitarian aid initiatives in various global hotspots. The meeting coincided with Slovenia's presidency of the Security Council, which focused on the theme of 'Leadership for Peace.' The event attracted high-level officials, including presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers, highlighting the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflicts and the need for a collective effort to restore peace and security worldwide.