UN Spokesperson Admits “Brand UN” Hurt by Security Council Paralysis, Gaza War

The United Nations’ credibility has taken a hit from Security Council deadlock, the war in Gaza, and accusations of inaction, says Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Appearing on Arab News’ Frankly Speaking during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, Dujarric acknowledged that dysfunction has damaged “Brand UN.”

“The credibility of the Security Council has taken a lot of hits recently — not just on Gaza, but on Ukraine, Syria, Sudan,” he told host Katie Jensen. “And that does hurt the UN brand.”

But he pushed back against viewing the UN as a single actor. “It is not an organization under a unified command. If the UN could speak with one voice, it would not be the UN we have today.”

Gaza, Genocide, and Semantics

The question of whether Israel’s Gaza campaign amounts to genocide has sharpened tensions. A UN Commission of Inquiry used the term in a landmark September 16 report, but Guterres has avoided it.

“The secretary-general himself does not have the authority to declare something a genocide,” Dujarric said. “That is up to a judicial body. What matters is not semantics but the reality: civilians are dying every day, famine is spreading, and aid is not getting in.”

Rejecting claims of silence, he noted Guterres has already paid a price for his words: “He has been declared persona non grata in Israel because of the language he’s used.”

Palestine Recognition and Two-State Push

With countries from France to the UK recognizing Palestine, critics — including Donald Trump — argue such moves reward Hamas. Dujarric dismissed this:

“Hamas’ goal is not a two-state solution. Recognition is not a gift to Hamas, but a recognition of the Palestinian right to statehood. It is, in fact, a statement against extremists.”

He said Guterres firmly views statehood as a Palestinian right, not a concession. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and France are pushing a UN-led summit with time-bound steps toward a two-state solution without Hamas in governance.

Daily UN Work Amid Council Gridlock

Despite political paralysis, Dujarric stressed that UN staff remain on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA continues to lead humanitarian efforts despite funding cuts and Israeli accusations against its staff.

But he warned that Israeli settlement expansion, including approval for the contentious E1 project near Jerusalem, threatens to make a Palestinian state impossible.

Security Council Reform

Calls for Security Council reform have intensified, with critics noting its veto-wielding structure still reflects 1945 realities.

“We need reform because the Security Council is the beating heart of the UN,” Dujarric said. “The secretary-general has been advocating strongly for an African seat. The fact that Africa has none is abhorrent.”

Though reform remains distant, he said momentum is growing.

Guterres Won’t Resign

Asked if Guterres should resign in protest over repeated US vetoes on Gaza resolutions, Dujarric dismissed the idea: “Resigning would be a gift to those who find him too annoying. He has absolutely no plans to resign.”

Instead, he said, Guterres is pushing diplomatic back-channels, working with Qatar, Egypt, and others for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and hostage releases.

“Never Again” Tested

Pressed on whether the UN has failed its founding promise of “never again,” Dujarric admitted shortcomings but defended the secretary-general’s resolve.

“The Security Council has not lived up to its promises. But the secretary-general will continue to push for peace through every channel until the very last day of his mandate.”

Ultimately, Dujarric argued, the UN’s future credibility depends less on Guterres and more on member states:

“Member states need to adapt their organization — the UN they created — to make it more effective, credible, and representative of the world of 2025.”