Argentina’s President Javier Milei has launched a fierce attack on the United Nations, describing it as a “useless organisation” and accusing its officials of failing to uphold global security and human rights.
Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Mr Milei said the organisation had abandoned the principles on which it was founded and had become dominated by what he described as “fatally arrogant” bureaucrats.
He accused the UN of allowing “chaos, violence and international terrorism” to flourish, while also criticising its record on human rights and international conflicts.
“Those who were supposed to guarantee collective security and human rights failed in their task,” Mr Milei said.
He also accused the organisation of failing to act over the long-running dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
The Argentine president said the UN had failed to enforce its own resolutions concerning the disputed territory, arguing that there were “no shortage of words or resolutions” but a lack of consequences.
The dispute dates back decades and led to a war between Argentina and the UK in 1982. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, which remain under British administration.
Mr Milei also criticised the UN’s approach to the Covid-19 pandemic and other areas of international policy, while warning against what he sees as excessive government intervention in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Despite his criticism, he said Argentina would continue participating in international forums, stressing that cooperation should not be confused with subordination.
The speech marked Mr Milei’s third address to the UN General Assembly since becoming president. (gadebate.un.org)
