Human Rights Watch on Monday called world leader We are attending the UN General Assembly in New York this week to defend international human rights institutions and uphold accountability for serious international crimes.
On September 21, a statement ahead of the September 22-28 General Assembly called on governments to resist efforts to weaken the UN, international law and the institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious violations. The organization said leaders should use the meeting to address conflicts and human rights crises in Iran, Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Myanmar, Haiti and Afghanistan.
Louis Charbonneau, UN Director at HRW, commented on the importance of a concerted effort by countries around the world to combat serious violations of international humanitarian law:
The United Nations and other international organizations established to protect human rights are under attack by countries committed to their defense. All UN member countries should condemn attempts by the United States, Russia, China and others to dismantle the international human rights system and destroy opportunities for accountability for violations.
One of their main concerns is the International Criminal Court (ICC), which HRW says is facing a tightening Pressure from the USA. The Trump administration has imposed Sanctions against ICC officials and judges and announced an attempt to dissolve the court, according to HRW. The measures also targeted a UN human rights expert and three Palestinian human rights organizations.
Last year the ICC examined suspected international crimes in several situations including Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar and Palestine. It was issued Arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials. The arrest warrants relate to allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity and do not constitute convictions.
HRW, together with three other organizations filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York in August against the US sanctions regime. The organizations claim the measures affect their ability to represent victims, submit legal documents to the ICC, and conduct human rights research and advocacy.
The organization had previously also urged the government to address the continued existence of the United Nations Financial crisiswhich is said to have already impacted human rights and peacekeeping operations. The organization attributes much of the liquidity crisis to unpaid or late contributions, particularly from the US and China.
It transfers much of that responsibility to the new United StatesN Secretary General, who will do this? Successor to Antonio Guterres Late 2026 to prioritize human rights, strengthen peacekeeping and address the Organization’s funding challenges.
