'Peace Is a Choice': UN Chief urges Security Council to lead through Cooperation | United Nations

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a draft resolution on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Addressing the Security Council today (22 Jul) after the vote, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Around the world, we see an utter disregard for — if not outright violations of — international law — including international human rights law, international refugee law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter itself, without any accountability.” He added, “And the cost is staggering — measured in human lives, shattered communities, and lost futures. We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza - with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times.” He also said, “With Israeli military operations intensifying and new displacement orders issued in Deir al-Balah, devastation is being layered upon devastation. I am appalled that UN premises have been struck – among them facilities of the UN Office for Project Services and the World Health Organization, including WHO’s main warehouse. This is despite all parties having been informed of the locations of these UN facilities. These premises are inviolable and must be protected under international humanitarian law – without exception.” He stressed, “Peace is a choice. And the world expects the UN Security Council to help countries make this choice. This Council is at the centre of the global architecture for peace and security. Its creation reflected a central truth. Competition between states is a geopolitical reality. But cooperation — anchored in shared interests and the greater good — is the sustainable pathway to peace.” Full remarks as delivered: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2025-07-22/secretary-generals-remarks-the-security-council-multilateralism-and-peaceful-settlement-of-disputes-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english-and-all-french


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