UN: World Growing More Dangerous Due to Armed Conflict

Geneva (ANTARA) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned on Friday (27 February) that the world is becoming increasingly dangerous as the number of armed conflicts rises, international law is disregarded, and civilians are subjected to attacks.

“The threat and use of violence to resolve disputes is becoming more frequent and normalised,” Turk told the Human Rights Council, noting that the number of armed conflicts has nearly doubled since 2010 to approximately 60.

“The world is truly becoming a more dangerous place,” he said.

Turk stated that civilians bear the highest risk, describing conflicts as a “desert of human rights,” and warned against the return of violence as a principle in international affairs.

He cited major crises ranging from Sudan and Ukraine to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and Myanmar as examples of “flagrant violations of international law,” including attacks on infrastructure, humanitarian convoys, and civilian populations.

He also warned that some leaders are weakening institutions designed to enforce law and global accountability.

“Conversely, some of them are attacking institutions designed to safeguard our security – the United Nations, including the International Court of Justice; the International Criminal Court; this Council and its mechanisms,” Turk said.

Despite the bleak outlook, he affirmed that human rights remain central to global stability and public trust.

“In short, people very much want their human rights,” he said.

Turk urged nations to recommit to international law, accountability, and cooperation.