The UN Charter is facing one of its gravest tests in decades, Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Tuesday, warning that wars, arms races, climate shocks and the erosion of international law are placing intense pressure on the multilateral system established to prevent a third world war.
Addressing a high-level Security Council debate convened by China, Mr. Guterres described the UN Charter as "a survival guide for humanity" but said its core principles were now under "profound strain" as geopolitical divisions deepen, and conflicts intensify across multiple regions.
"We now face the highest number of conflicts since the founding of the United Nations," he told ministers and diplomats in the Council chamber, where more than 100 countries were expected to speak during the signature debate chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Council President for May.
The meeting comes amid growing concern over the future of multilateralism and increasing tensions among major powers over the interpretation and application of international law.
Mr. Guterres warned that "a dangerous erosion of respect for international law" was unfolding, with fundamental principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition on the use of force being "challenged or ignored."
"Violations go unanswered. Impunity is spreading," he said.
What is the UN Charter?
The UN Charter is the founding document of the United Nations and the legal basis for the postwar international system.
It sets out the core principles governing relations between States, including sovereign equality, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition on the use of force against another State.
The Charter also established the United Nations' six principal organs: General Assembly; Security Council; Economic and Social Council ; Trusteeship Council; International Court of Justice ; and the Secretariat.
Signed in San Francisco in June 1945 after the Second World War, the Charter entered into force on 24 October that year. It has been amended three times since - in 1963, 1965 and 1973.
