Sisyphean endeavours and unfinished business: UN Secretary-General Guterres lays out his vision for a second term, including a conference on human rights and renewed focus on prevention

by Danica Damplo, Universal Rights Group NYC Prevention, Secretary-General

On 8 January 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres notified the General Assembly (GA) President Volkan Bozkir and Security Council President for January Tarek Ladeb of his intentions to run for re-election. On 23 March, Guterres sent his Vision Statement to Bozkir, and on 7 May, engaged in an informal dialogue with the GA. Given that Guterres will likely succeed in securing a second term, his …

On it’s one-year anniversary, the Call to Action for Human Rights remains a relevant tool for tackling human rights challenges

by Tess Brennan, Universal Rights Group NYC Human rights institutions and mechanisms, Secretary-General

The anniversary of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ The Highest Aspiration: A Call to Action for Human Rights provides a prime opportunity to reflect on its implementation to date. Launched on 24 February 2020 at the opening of the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council, the Call aimed to bring the human rights pillar of the United Nations’ mandate to the forefront of its agenda. As the challenges of 2020 have …

The UN Secretary-General’s human rights crisis can be solved

by Dr Bertrand G. Ramcharan By invitation, Human rights institutions and mechanisms, Secretary-General, Universal Periodic Review

There is a crisis in the United Nations human-rights system. Secretary-General António Guterres can lead the way out of it. Indeed, the world continues to look to the UN secretary-general to stand up for the principles of the organisation. One of the highest responsibilities of the incumbent is to help steer a course toward realising UN goals in the areas …

Why Guterres and Haley are set to become the U.N.’s odd couple

by Richard Gowan and Geneva By invitation, Human rights institutions and mechanisms, Secretary-General

Are Antonio Guterres and Nikki Haley set to be New York’s new power couple? The future of the United Nations may rest on the duo’s personal and political chemistry.  Guterres has only been U.N. secretary-general since the start of the year, and Haley began work as U.S. representative to the U.N. ten days ago. But diplomats are watching both of …

El papel del próximo(a) Secretario(a) General en la revitalización del pilar olvidado de la ONU

by Marc Limon, Executive Director of the Universal Rights Group and the URG team Human rights institutions and mechanisms, Secretary-General

Este artículo apareció originalmente en  New World magazine , publicado por la Asociación de las Naciones Unidas en el Reino Unido  (United Nations Association – UK, UNA-UK)  Los derechos humanos – junto a la paz y la seguridad, y al desarrollo, constituyen uno de los tres pilares de las Naciones Unidas. La naturaleza interconectada de éstos tres es clara: sin avances para promover y proteger …

The role of the next Secretary-General in revitalising the UN’s ‘neglected pillar’

by Marc Limon, Executive Director of the Universal Rights Group and the URG team Human rights institutions and mechanisms, Secretary-General

This article originally appeared in New World magazine , published by the United Nations Association – UK (UNA-UK)  Human rights – alongside peace and security, and development – constitutes one of the three pillars of the United Nations. Their interconnected nature is clear: without steps to promote and protect human rights, the international community will be unable to achieve peace and security, while …