The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern following recent US military actions involving Venezuela, warning that respect for international law must remain central during times of geopolitical tension.
In a statement released by the UN Secretariat, Guterres emphasized that unilateral use of force risks undermining the principles of sovereignty and international cooperation that form the foundation of the global system. He urged all parties involved to act with restraint and to prioritize diplomatic and legal frameworks over escalation.
While the UN did not assign legal responsibility or assess the specific circumstances of the US operation, officials stressed that any actions affecting a sovereign state should be consistent with the UN Charter and established international norms. The Secretary-General reiterated that disputes between nations should be resolved through dialogue, mediation, and multilateral engagement.
The comments come amid heightened global scrutiny of Venezuela’s political situation and growing concerns about the broader implications of foreign intervention. UN officials cautioned that precedents set during such moments could influence international conduct far beyond the current crisis.
The United Nations Secretary-General has reiterated serious concern over what he described as a lack of respect for international law following recent US military action against Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking through UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo at an emergency session requested by Venezuela and supported by China and Russia, António Guterres emphasized that the UN Charter strictly prohibits the threat or use of force against a state’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity.
He stressed that even in complex crises, disputes related to security, resources, transnational crime and human rights must be addressed through international legal frameworks and the rule of law, rather than unilateral use of force.
Guterres concluded by calling on the international community to reinforce commitments to international law, noting that long-term stability depends not on force, but on cooperation and respect for shared rules.
