GENEVA – Peace is facing unprecedented challenges worldwide due to escalating militarisation, renewed nuclear testing, environmental crises, polarising disinformation and widening inequality within and between States, said Cecilia Bailliet, the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity.
“Despite clear obligations under the UN Charter, there is growing reliance on the use of force and conflict management approaches that risk normalising violence and undermining long-term peace,” Bailliet said, presenting a report to the Human Rights Council today.
At the same time, the world is witnessing a sharp rise in armed conflicts alongside declining investment in diplomacy, development, health, education and human rights.
The expert pointed to the paradox of prolonged states of emergency, allegedly pursuant to the duty of the State to uphold internal peace, used to address transnational organised crime, which violates international human rights standards and increase risks of arbitrary detention, torture and extra-judicial killings.
In parallel, the failure of States to conduct preventive assessments of arms transfers is increasing the loss of women and children to drones and other weapons.
“Beyond armed conflict, high levels of interpersonal violence – including domestic abuse, child abuse and suicide – underscore the urgent need to rethink global peace priorities, particularly for women and children,” Bailliet said.
“I am particularly impressed by civil society actors working for peace despite facing increasing restrictions, including surveillance, harassment and criminalisation, and grassroots organisations – many led by women – that continue to promote dialogue, protect vulnerable communities and build bridges across divided societies,” she said.
The expert called for renewed global commitment to create a coalition for 21st century multilateralism grounded in international solidarity, and for recognition of peaceful dispute resolution as a peremptory obligation.
“States must urgently strengthen multilateral systems, protect civic space and engage civil society, business and educational institutions in a shared responsibility to advance peace, human rights and environmental protection,” Bailliet said.
