Photo UN/M. Garten UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN Secretary General called on the Security Council to activate peace mechanisms Peace and Security
Speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council on the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Secretary-General warned of the rapid growth of conflicts and called on states to make more active use of the tools provided for in the UN Charter. António Guterres emphasized that the mechanisms of diplomacy were created specifically for periods of crisis, such as those the world is experiencing today.
The UN chief recalled that resolution 2788 calls on states to use the full range of tools listed in Article 33 of the UN Charter: negotiations, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, participation of regional structures and any other peaceful means. According to him, these mechanisms are especially important now, when conflicts are “growing in number, complexity and scale”, and international law is increasingly ignored. “Every violation that remains unanswered becomes a precedent for the next,” said Antonio Guterres.
Middle East: “The situation is getting out of control”
The Secretary General paid considerable attention to the crisis in the Middle East, calling it a threat to global stability. He stressed that attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable, and there is no military solution to the conflict. “The situation is getting out of control. She is teetering on the edge of the unthinkable. “It is time to take a step back,” he said. Guterres called for an end to hostilities throughout the region and the restoration of international navigation law in the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted the role of Pakistan and other countries in the region who are trying to reduce tensions and create space for dialogue.
Gaza: Humanitarian disaster continues
Despite a declared ceasefire, civilians are being killed daily in Gaza and living conditions remain “unbearable.” Guterres said that, according to the latest UN study, the number of people facing high levels of food insecurity could rise to 1.4 million people – about 70 percent of the sector’s population. Six areas for strengthening peace mechanisms The Secretary-General outlined six key steps that, in his opinion, will help states more effectively use instruments of peaceful settlement: 1. Strengthening the mediation role of the UN Secretariat Guterres noted the importance of early engagement – shuttle diplomacy and preventive negotiations. 2. Expanding the role of regional offices and special envoysModern conflicts are predominantly regional in nature, and diplomacy must correspond to this reality, the UN head noted. 3. Earlier and more decisive use of Security Council instruments This, António Guterres believes, will reduce tensions and prevent escalation. 4. Regular fact-checking “Different interpretations of what is happening on the ground often cause a lack of unity,” the UN chief emphasized. 5. Inclusiveness in settlement processes Women, youth and representatives of civil society need to be fully involved in negotiations, António Guterres is convinced. 6. The active role of all member states “No diplomatic gesture is in vain,” the Secretary General emphasized. Guterres recalled that the UN Charter remains “humanity’s hope for peace,” but its effectiveness depends on the commitment of states. “Call on the spirit of compromise that is necessary for peace. Keep the channels of dialogue open and spare no effort in finding peaceful solutions to disputes,” the UN chief told Security Council members.