On Monday, the United Nations chief cautioned that human rights worldwide are being increasingly suppressed, citing wars, violence, and authoritarian regimes silencing opposition and disregarding international law.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described human rights as the “oxygen of humanity.”

However, he warned that these rights are being systematically suppressed—autocratic leaders are silencing opposition out of fear of an empowered public, while patriarchal systems continue to deny girls education and restrict women’s access to basic rights.

He also criticized warmongers for disregarding international laws, including the UN Charter, while conflicts and violence deprive people of their fundamental rights to food, water, and education.

Guterres also criticized the “morally bankrupt global financial system” and warned about the dangers of unregulated technologies like artificial intelligence, which, despite their potential benefits, can violate human rights with just the push of a button.

He expressed concern over the rising intolerance targeting entire communities, including Indigenous peoples, migrants, and refugees. He also condemned divisive voices that see human rights not as a benefit to humanity, but as an obstacle to their pursuit of power, profit, and control.

Guterres cautioned that these challenges pose a direct threat to the global human rights frameworks that have been built over the past 80 years.