Guterres Slams Selective Use of UN Charter on Its 80th Anniversary
On the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, Secretary-General António Guterres sharply criticized the selective application of its principles, warning against treating it like an “a-la-carte menu.” Speaking at a UN General Assembly event on Thursday, Guterres condemned violations of international law, attacks on civilians, and the weaponization of essential resources like food and water.
“We see an all-too-familiar pattern: follow the Charter when it suits, ignore it when it doesn’t,” he said. Emphasizing the Charter as the foundation of international relations, Guterres urged world leaders to uphold its principles consistently.
He called the Charter a “declaration of hope” that has prevented another world war and delivered life-saving cooperation globally. “Upholding its values is a never-ending mission,” he noted, urging renewed commitment to international law and multilateralism.
Adopted on June 25, 1945, in San Francisco, the UN Charter established the basis for global cooperation and peacekeeping. Guterres concluded with a call for member states to honor its spirit and responsibilities for peace, justice, progress, and “we the peoples.”
