The era of dictators may come again ?

The United Nations has recently issued a serious warning that human rights violations are increasing in the world and this could lead to a return of dictatorship. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have described this situation as ‘very dangerous’.

He says that the influence of authoritarianism is increasing in the world and human rights are being constantly attacked. In his inaugural address at the annual session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Volker Turk expressed concern over the changes taking place in the global system. He said that this is a change like an ‘earthquake’ in which the foundation of human rights is getting weaker.

The growing power of dictators

Volker Turk said that authoritarian leaders and powerful people globally are weakening human rights for their own interests. Citing statistics, he said that today one-third of the world’s total economy is under the control of dictators, which is double compared to 30 years ago. “This figure shows that dictatorial ideology is getting stronger not only politically but also economically.

According to the World Population Review, by the year 2020, there were 52 countries in the world where dictatorship or authoritarian rule was dominant. These included 3 countries of Latin America and South America, 27 countries of Asia and the Middle East, and 22 countries of Africa. That is, in many parts of the world, power is still concentrated in the hands of a powerful ruler, not the people.

War, conflict and human rights abusesCurrently the world is going through many wars and conflicts, prominent among which are the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in West Asia. The United Nations said that the governments involved in war and conflict are not caring about international law and humanity. In war-torn countries, citizens are being deprived of basic necessities like food, water and education.

Digital technology and the human rights crisisThe United Nations has also described the misuse of digital technology as a major threat. Turk said that today social media and artificial intelligence are being used to promote surveillance, online hatred, misinformation, harassment and discrimination. He also warned that the division of social media platforms can lead to separation in society, which can weaken the social fabric.

Climate crisis and rising inequalityThe United Nations also called climate change a ‘human rights crisis’. Climate change is increasing inequalities and injustice, causing tension and discontent in society. Turk also drew attention to the growing gap between the rich and the poor. He said that the 1% richest people in the world have more wealth than the remaining 99% of the population.