Inside Geneva: Can the UN and International Law Survive?

Inside Geneva, hosted by journalist Imogen Foulkes and produced by SWI swissinfo.ch, delves deep into the pressing challenges facing the United Nations (UN) and the framework of international law in its December 24, 2024 episode titled "Can the UN and International Law Survive?" This comprehensive episode brings together insights from leading humanitarians, analysts, and international lawyers to explore whether multilateralism and the rules-based order can withstand the mounting global pressures.

1. The Fragmenting UN and Power Struggles

The episode opens with Richard Gowen, UN Director at the Crisis Group, highlighting the increasing turbulence within the UN. He points to major power competitions, particularly over Ukraine and Gaza, which have become more toxic and divisive. Gowen notes the frequent use of vetoes by Russia and the US in the Security Council, leading to a fragmented international order and widespread frustration among UN member states ([03:10]).

“The world is on fire. The reality is, as you know well, that we are dealing with a poly crisis right now, globally.” — Richard Gowen [12:28]

2. Humanitarian Efforts: A Decline in Unity and Support

Jan Eglund, a seasoned humanitarian worker with over three decades of experience, contrasts the robust international response to the Indian Ocean tsunami with the current lack of unity and support for crises like Darfur and Sudan. Eglund laments the shift from a shared global purpose to heightened nationalism and introspection, which hampers effective humanitarian intervention ([05:17], [07:19]).

“Today there is more nationalism, introspection, skepticism. Europe first, America first, me first, rather than humanity first.” — Jan Eglund [06:24]

3. The Impact of US Politics on the UN

With the incoming Trump administration, Gowen expresses concerns over potential US disengagement from the UN. He anticipates the US pulling out of key agreements like the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the Human Rights Council, along with possible budget cuts that could cripple UN operations ([08:55], [09:28]).

“The US Is routinely vetoing all resolutions on Gaza.” — Jan Eglund [07:19]

4. Eroding International Law: Perspectives from Experts

Nico Krish, Professor of International Law at Geneva's Graduate Institute, provides a nuanced view on the state of international law. While acknowledging a decline in compliance and rising violations, Krish emphasizes that current levels of human rights compliance are still higher than in previous decades. He urges maintaining perspective, recognizing that despite setbacks, the framework of international law remains fundamentally stronger than before ([13:32], [14:48]).

“We have higher expectations now than 30 or 40 years ago.” — Nico Krish [13:32]

Cordula Droga, Chief Legal Officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), warns of the gradual erosion of international humanitarian law (IHL). She cites states withdrawing from key conventions and redefining legal standards to justify actions like targeting hospitals, which traditionally fall under protected categories ([17:00], [18:30]).

“It's a slippery slope... conflicts are seen as new and different, making existing rules seem inappropriate.” — Cordula Droga [19:35]

5. The Palestinian Question and UN's Credibility

Gowen underscores the existential importance of the Palestinian question for many UN members, particularly those from the Global South. He warns that policies from the forthcoming Trump administration, such as backing Israeli annexation of the West Bank, could severely undermine the UN's credibility and its role in resolving long-standing conflicts ([22:09]).

“Resolving the Palestinian question is one of the last unfinished pieces of business left over from the anti-colonial struggle.” — Richard Gowen [22:09]

6. The Role of Europe and Future Prospects

Despite traditionally being staunch defenders of multilateralism, Gowen expresses skepticism about Europe’s ability to uphold international law amid current challenges. He highlights Europe's preoccupation with defense spending and internal issues, which may limit its capacity to support the UN effectively ([27:14], [27:33]).

“Western governments need to put money into defence. And so I just wonder whether the Europeans are going to have the bandwidth and the financial weight to really fill the gap that significant US disengagement with the UN could create.” — Richard Gowen [27:33]

Jan Eglund further criticizes Europe’s current stance, pointing out the shift from humanitarian focus to stringent migration controls, which undermines the continent’s commitment to refugee rights and international law ([30:12], [30:24]).

“It seems now it’s okay to bomb hospitals because there might be a militant there somewhere.” — Jan Eglund [31:23]

7. Upholding International Humanitarian Law: A Moral Imperative

The discussion culminates with Cordula Droga and Jan Eglund emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to IHL. Droga warns that abandoning these laws not only increases the human cost of conflicts but also corrodes the moral fabric of societies, leading to long-term trauma and dehumanization ([33:15], [34:16]).

“International humanitarian law is not made to prevent conflicts... It was always made with conflicts in mind.” — Cordula Droga [18:30]

“To dehumanize your enemy means that you dehumanize yourself.” — Cordula Droga [33:15]

8. Conclusion: A Call to Action for Multilateralism

In concluding the episode, Imogen Foulkes reflects on the insights shared, urging listeners to recognize the fragility of the UN and international law. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the need for global solidarity and renewed commitment to multilateralism to navigate the complex challenges of the modern world.

“We are dealing with some of the biggest challenges our world has ever seen, and our political leaders seem neither willing nor able to resolve them effectively.” — Imogen Foulkes [03:10]

Inside Geneva effectively underscores the precarious state of the UN and international law, highlighting the urgent need for collective action and unwavering support to preserve the multilateral frameworks that have long been the backbone of global governance.

Notable Quotes:

• “The world is on fire. The reality is, as you know well, that we are dealing with a poly crisis right now, globally.” — Richard Gowen [12:28]

• “Today there is more nationalism, introspection, skepticism. Europe first, America first, me first, rather than humanity first.” — Jan Eglund [06:24]

• “It's a slippery slope... conflicts are seen as new and different, making existing rules seem inappropriate.” — Cordula Droga [19:35]

• “International humanitarian law is not made to prevent conflicts... It was always made with conflicts in mind.” — Cordula Droga [18:30]

• “To dehumanize your enemy means that you dehumanize yourself.” — Cordula Droga [33:15]

For more insights, listeners are encouraged to explore other episodes of Inside Geneva, including topics like "Aid Organizations and Racism" and "Why Survivors of Human Rights Violations Turn to the UN in Geneva for Justice."