Eight decades ago, following the devastation of World War I and countless genocides, the United Nations Charter was signed. Its mission was clear: to prevent conflict, protect human rights, and uphold our collective dignity.
Despite its flaws—like the power dynamics of the Security Council—the UN remains a pivotal force in global affairs, serving as a central hub for the world.
Fast forward to now, 80 years later, and we must ask ourselves: where do we stand?
Amid relentless crises, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, forgotten conflicts, and an unaddressed climate emergency, we’ve seen innovative assistance stunted. Restrictions on human rights have tightened, multilateral cooperation has weakened, and authoritarian governments seem to be dismantling the post-World War II order without facing serious repercussions or offering any constructive alternatives. Instead, we’re witnessing fierce battles among competing national agendas.
Throughout these turbulent times, the United Nations has been a crucial support system for many. Those experiencing discrimination, extreme poverty, or humanitarian crises depend on its provisions—whether that’s access to food, essential medicines, or fundamental rights when their own are infringed upon. For numerous activists combatting unjust regimes, the UN’s human rights frameworks remain vital tools for challenging state power and demanding accountability.
Interestingly, it’s not only the most powerful nations that the weakened UN affects.
Take, for instance, sexual and reproductive health rights. Individuals—including women in crisis areas, newborns, adolescents, and those marginalized by prejudice—face dire threats as norms shift. Funding for essential interventions has dwindled or been outright criminalized.
As the UN Secretary-General gears up to present his reform agenda aimed at revitalizing the organization, the focus seems to lean heavily towards austerity. It appears hurried, lacking sufficient groundwork and consultation.
The focus on sexual and reproductive health rights is increasingly under siege, leaving the UN’s gender equality efforts weakened—especially given the influence of wealthy nations.
What would our world look like without the UN? It feels like we’re heading towards a more fragmented future, where the roots of climate crises, disease outbreaks, conflicts, and corruption receive less attention. Poverty would thrive unchecked, humanitarian responses would falter, and militaristic strategies would take precedence.
This is why organizations like the International Federation of Parent-Child Relations emphasize the need for reforms that reconnect with people. By focusing on “our people,” we can better align global priorities with universal values.
So, what might this entail?
A connection to our communities: My organization delivers crucial services to the most vulnerable across places like Gaza, Afghanistan, and Sudan. In 2024 alone, we reached over 67 million people, 20% in humanitarian settings. Although the UN General Assembly pledged to leave “no one behind,” the absence of civil society voices has left the UN lacking in genuine interactions with local communities. To restore meaningful engagement, the UN needs to collaborate more closely with grassroots organizations, ensuring local efficiency and moral legitimacy.
Human rights at the forefront: Our shared humanity faces increasing threats amid ongoing crises. Regardless of what lies ahead, human rights must guide our actions. Yet, even before recent budget cuts, the UN allocated only a small fraction—5%—of its total budget to human rights initiatives. With anti-rights actors gaining funding and influence, it’s crucial for the majority of UN members to push for support that upholds all human rights.
A call for accountability: The commitments made by member states regarding human rights are seldom upheld, but they’re more necessary now than ever. In a world grappling with rising authoritarianism, inequality, and exploitation, we need a robust multilateral framework that holds these states accountable. This includes amplifying civil society voices and focusing on those who often get overlooked.
Ultimately, whether faced with budget constraints or not, the UN deserves to champion and uphold the rights of our planet’s most vulnerable populations. The UN Charter and global human rights were established in challenging times, not in prosperity. A more courageous, visionary approach is essential for the future of human rights within the UN. The organization needs the backing of member states to stand firm against those who deny these rights.
