In a comprehensive interview with Reuters on September 11, 2024, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, addressed several pressing global issues, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective solutions to ongoing crises.
Guterres expressed deep concern over the loss of UN staff and humanitarian aid workers in the Gaza Strip, stating that the lack of accountability for these deaths is unacceptable. Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, nearly 300 aid workers have lost their lives, with more than two-thirds being UN personnel. The Secretary-General called for thorough investigations and proper accountability measures.
"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable."
Regarding the situation in Haiti, Guterres opined that a UN peacekeeping force might not be the most effective solution to address the country's ongoing crisis. He described the difficulty in mobilizing funds for Haiti as a "scandal," highlighting the urgent need for international support.
The Secretary-General characterized the past year as "very tough" and "very difficult," pointing to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine as major concerns. He noted that both situations appear to be at a standstill, with no peaceful resolutions in sight.
Guterres also touched on the upcoming US presidential election, scheduled for November 5, 2024. When asked about the potential impact of a second Trump administration on UN operations and global agreements, the Secretary-General emphasized the organization's readiness to work under any circumstances to uphold the values of the UN Charter.
The interview highlighted several interesting facts about the United Nations:
- The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II, with its Charter signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco.
- Antonio Guterres became the 9th Secretary-General of the UN in 2017.
- The UN General Assembly consists of all 193 Member States.
- The organization has won the Nobel Peace Prize 12 times.
- The UN's budget for 2023 was approximately $3.4 billion.
Guterres expressed concern about the potential withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change by a future US administration, stating that such a move would severely undermine the accord. The Paris Agreement, adopted by 196 parties in 2015, remains a crucial international pact to combat climate change.
The Secretary-General also addressed the importance of the US voice in matters of women's sexual and reproductive rights at the United Nations. This topic has gained significance in light of recent political developments in the United States.
As the UN prepares for its annual General Assembly meeting later this month, Guterres' interview provides a sobering overview of the challenges facing the international community and the ongoing efforts of the United Nations to address these issues.