The head of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has voiced concerns about the United States acting with impunity, prioritizing its power over international law. In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Guterres indicated that Washington harbors a 'clear conviction' that multilateral solutions are irrelevant compared to the exercise of U.S. power and influence, sometimes within the framework of international law.
These remarks come amid recent U.S. actions against Venezuela and President Trump's ongoing interest in annexing Greenland. Guterres emphasized that the founding principles of the UN, such as member state equality, are under threat. Trump's criticism of the United Nations is notable; he has publicly questioned its purpose, stating last September that he had 'ended seven unendable wars' by himself, without UN assistance.
Guterres admitted that the UN struggles to enforce compliance with international laws as per the UN Charter, describing the organization as highly engaged but lacking leverage compared to significant powers. He questioned whether this leverage is being used effectively to solve global conflicts permanently, rather than achieving short-term fixes.
The UN chief also highlighted the necessity for organizational reform to address significant issues facing its 193 members. He pointed to a belief among some that law should be replaced by power. Guterres suggested that the UN Security Council is outdated and ineffective in representing the world, with permanent members like France, China, Russia, the UK, and the US exerting veto powers that can impede global peace efforts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. Vetoes are often used to serve individual interests, he noted, and called for reforms to the council's structure to restore legitimacy and broaden global representation, limiting veto powers to prevent unresolved blockages.
With his term as Secretary-General ending soon, Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister, reflected on the current global disorder marked by conflict and unpredictability and pinpointed 'brazen violations of international law' as a major challenge for the global order. He identified the ongoing conflict in Gaza as a significant focus, drawing attention to restricted aid distribution due to Israeli blockades. At times, Israel even supported external contractors like the Gaza Humanitarian Or'.