UN Expert Warns Global Peace Is Under Growing Strain

The report highlights concerns not only about wars between states but also about policies implemented within countries in the name of security and public order.

Peace around the world is facing mounting pressure as armed conflicts increase, military spending grows and international cooperation struggles to keep pace with global challenges, according to a new report presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Cecilia Bailliet, the UN Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, said peace is being undermined by a combination of escalating militarisation, environmental crises, disinformation campaigns, nuclear risks and deepening inequality within and between countries.

Speaking before the Council, Bailliet warned that many governments are relying more heavily on force and conflict management strategies rather than pursuing long-term solutions through diplomacy and peaceful dialogue. She said this trend risks making violence appear increasingly normal in international relations.

Human Rights Concerns Extend Beyond Battlefields

The report highlights concerns not only about wars between states but also about policies implemented within countries in the name of security and public order. Bailliet pointed to the growing use of prolonged states of emergency to address organised crime and other security threats. Such measures, she said, can create serious human rights risks, including arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial killings when not aligned with international legal standards.

The expert also raised concerns about insufficient oversight of arms transfers, warning that failures to properly assess the humanitarian consequences of weapons sales are contributing to civilian casualties, particularly among women and children affected by drones and other military technologies. Beyond armed conflict, the report notes that widespread interpersonal violence, including domestic abuse, child abuse and suicide, reflects deeper challenges that require greater attention in global peacebuilding efforts.

Civil Society Seen as Key to Building Lasting Peace

Despite growing obstacles, Bailliet praised civil society organisations that continue working to promote peace and human rights in difficult environments. She highlighted the efforts of grassroots groups, many led by women, that support dialogue, protect vulnerable communities and help bridge divisions within societies. Many of these organisations operate while facing surveillance, harassment and restrictions on their activities, making their contributions even more significant, the report noted.

Bailliet called for a renewed international commitment to multilateral cooperation and international solidarity, urging governments to strengthen global institutions and recognise peaceful dispute resolution as a fundamental obligation. She also encouraged states to work more closely with civil society, businesses and educational institutions to advance peace, protect human rights and address environmental challenges. According to the report, meaningful cooperation across sectors will be essential to building a more stable and peaceful world in the years ahead.