UN chief urges respect for international humanitarian law among rising global tensions News
UN chief urges respect for international humanitarian law among rising global tensions

[JURIST] In a speech [text] before the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres [official profile] warned the body of increasing political and social tension and instability around the world, urging respect for international humanitarian law.

Guterres identified seven “threats and tests” that every nation around the world is currently facing: the increasing risk of nuclear conflict, international terrorism, continuing violations of international humanitarian law, climate change, inequality, cybersecurity and the refugee crisis.

Guterres also condemned the numerous missile tests being carried out by the government of North Korea and asked the country to comply with last week’s unanimously approved Security Council resolution [JURIST report] which imposed a series of new sanctions on North Korea.

In concluding his speech, Guterres stated:

We need to reform our world, and I am committed to reforming the United Nations. Together, we have embarked on a comprehensive reform effort: to build a United Nations development system to support States in bettering peoples’ lives; to reinforce our ability to safeguard peoples’ peace, security and human rights; and to embrace management practices that advance those goals instead of hindering them.

Guterres’ speech marked the beginning of the 2017 annual general debate, which will run until September 25.