As the world prepares for the United Nations General Assembly from September 22 to 30, 2025, Human Rights Watch is calling on global leaders to take a firm stand in protecting the UN’s mission from powerful governments aiming to undermine its ability to promote human rights and international justice. The upcoming assembly will serve as a critical platform for discussing pressing global issues, particularly the ongoing crisis in Palestine, which will be addressed in a summit led by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Federico Borello, interim executive director of Human Rights Watch, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Human rights and the UN itself are in the crosshairs of powerful governments to an unprecedented extent.” He urged world leaders to ensure that the UN has the necessary resources and political backing to continue its vital human rights and humanitarian work across the globe, particularly in conflict-stricken areas like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti.
The organization also called for immediate action to halt the escalating violence and human rights violations perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank. Borello highlighted the need for governments to condemn U.S. sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) officials and Palestinian organizations, which are impeding the pursuit of justice and accountability for war crimes.
In an era where international bodies like the ICC are crucial in combating impunity for atrocities committed in regions such as Myanmar, Israel/Palestine, and Ukraine, the support of world leaders is essential. Human Rights Watch stresses that the upcoming Palestine conference on September 22 should be a moment for nations to publicly commit to ending decades of impunity for the violations committed by Israeli authorities against Palestinians. This conference is a direct response to a landmark advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024, which deemed Israel’s occupation unlawful and characterized it by serious human rights abuses, including apartheid.
In light of this advisory opinion, several nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, have expressed intentions to recognize a Palestinian state. However, these declarations may only serve as empty gestures unless concrete actions are taken to stop Israel’s systemic violence and illegal settlement expansions. As Human Rights Watch has pointed out, governments should consider suspending arms transfers to Israel, prohibiting trade with illegal settlements, and imposing targeted sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for ongoing human rights violations.
The UN is currently facing a financial crisis exacerbated by the United States’ refusal to meet its assessed contributions and the cancellation of voluntary funding for various UN agencies. This financial shortfall is severely undermining the UN’s humanitarian efforts and its ability to conduct crucial investigations into human rights abuses in multiple conflict zones worldwide.
Notably, the financial commitments from other nations have also faltered, with China, the second-largest contributor to the UN, delaying its payments, and several European countries following suit. This trend has significant implications for the UN’s ability to fulfill its mandate in protecting human rights. Wealthy nations, particularly those in the European Union, should prioritize full and timely contributions to the UN, especially for programs dedicated to human rights protection and humanitarian assistance.
In stark contrast to the previous year, when the U.S. contributed nearly $13 billion, funding has drastically declined, raising concerns over the future of UN operations. The Biden administration’s approach to UN funding remains uncertain, leaving many to question the commitment to international cooperation and justice.
As the UN leadership seeks to navigate budgetary constraints, it is crucial that cost-cutting measures do not disproportionately impact human rights programs, which are already struggling for resources. Borello emphasized that “UN monitoring and investigations can deter abusive governments from committing atrocities against civilians,” urging leaders to reject the undermining of the UN’s human rights and humanitarian initiatives.
Beyond the immediate crisis in Palestine, leaders are also called to address humanitarian catastrophes in Sudan and Haiti, where civilians are facing dire conditions marked by violence and food insecurity. The UN Secretary-General has faced criticism for not endorsing calls for protective missions in these regions, highlighting the urgency for decisive action from international leaders.
The recent U.S. executive order allowing sanctions on ICC officials and supporters has been characterized as an assault on the rule of law and international justice, particularly in relation to the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes by Israeli officials. This has raised alarms about the broader implications for international accountability mechanisms.
Human Rights Watch urges UN member states to reaffirm their commitment to the ICC and to advocate for the cancellation of U.S. sanctions. Furthermore, member states should support the implementation of the ICJ’s advisory opinions and push for an international treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity, addressing the gaps in international law that enable impunity for severe human rights violations.
The ongoing abuses faced by women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule further illustrate the necessity of including gender-based crimes in any future treaty on crimes against humanity. As the UN and the global human rights system face unprecedented challenges, Borello asserts that it is imperative for nations to resist the efforts of powerful governments to erode international norms and accountability avenues. “To be on the right side of history, it’s crucial to push back against powerful governments trying to undermine international norms and demolish avenues for accountability,” he concluded.
