Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has warned that the world is slipping into a dangerous state of “collective amnesia” over the risks of nuclear weapons, as global tensions and military build-ups continue to rise.

He made the remarks at the Eleventh Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), where countries gathered to review global progress on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful nuclear cooperation.

Guterres said the meeting comes at a critical moment to protect humanity from the threat of nuclear annihilation, recalling that the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons dates back to the United Nations’ first General Assembly resolution in 1946.

He warned that the world is forgetting the lessons of the past, when nuclear fears shaped daily life—such as children practicing missile drills, governments building fallout shelters, and communities suffering from nuclear testing.

According to him, a “collective amnesia” has taken hold, allowing nuclear risks to resurface as mistrust grows between states and global arms control systems weaken.

The UN chief also highlighted that global military spending has reached $2.7 trillion, describing it as a massive imbalance compared to global development aid and equivalent to Africa’s entire GDP.

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He further warned that for the first time in decades, the number of nuclear warheads is increasing, while discussions about nuclear testing and weapons expansion are re-emerging in some countries.

Guterres cautioned that arms control frameworks are eroding and that international norms designed to prevent nuclear escalation are under severe strain.

He reminded world leaders of a key principle: that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, stressing that nuclear weapons do not provide security but instead increase global danger.

The Secretary-General described the NPT as the cornerstone of global nuclear governance, but warned that it is under pressure due to unfulfilled commitments, declining trust, and rising geopolitical tensions.

He urged countries to fully honour their obligations under the treaty without delay or conditions, while strengthening safeguards and supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its monitoring role.

Guterres also stressed that the treaty must evolve to address emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which could increase nuclear risks if not properly regulated.

He said future nuclear governance must ensure human control over nuclear weapons systems while also expanding access to peaceful nuclear technology for sustainable development.

The UN chief concluded by calling for renewed global commitment to disarmament, warning that the strength of the NPT depends on the political will of member states to uphold it.

He added that with stronger cooperation, the treaty can remain a foundation for a safer, nuclear-free world in an era of rapidly changing technology.

Guterres Raises Alarm Over Rising Nuclear Risks at NPT Conference

UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including violence targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in parts of the country.

In a statement issued by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he is “deeply concerned” by reports of xenophobic violence, harassment, and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province. He strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal behaviour carried out by individuals inciting violence and taking advantage of socio-economic challenges.

The UN Secretary-General warned that violence, vigilantism, and hate speech have no place in any democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights. He stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten peace in diverse communities.

Guterres also recalled South Africa’s historical struggle against apartheid, noting that the country’s development was built on solidarity from across Africa and the world. He emphasized that migrants and foreign nationals have long contributed to South Africa’s social and economic growth.

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He further acknowledged statements from South African authorities affirming that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. According to the UN chief, those responsible for criminal acts must be properly investigated and held accountable under the law. However, he stressed that such investigations must be prompt, independent, thorough, and impartial to ensure justice and public trust.

While recognizing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, Guterres said addressing such issues must be done lawfully and without discrimination. He urged authorities to ensure that human rights and human dignity are protected for all, including migrants and refugees.

The UN chief also welcomed South Africa’s commitment to tackling corruption in immigration systems, implementing its National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms under UN human rights frameworks. He reiterated that law enforcement agencies must remain the sole authority in administering justice.

Guterres reaffirmed that the United Nations stands ready to support South Africa in efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect vulnerable groups, and strengthen social cohesion. He stressed that sustained community engagement, responsible leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights are essential to preventing further violence and preserving peace and stability.

South Africa has faced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in recent years, often linked to economic hardship, unemployment, and competition for resources. Foreign nationals, particularly Africans including Nigerians, have frequently been affected, resulting in deaths, displacement, and destruction of property.

UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa

US Judge Orders USCIS to Resume Green Card Processing for Trump Travel Ban Victims

A United States federal judge, George L. Russell III, has ordered the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing green card applications for immigrants affected by former President Donald Trump’s expanded travel restrictions covering nationals from 39 countries.

The court ruled that USCIS acted unlawfully by placing immigration applications on indefinite hold without issuing final decisions. The judge emphasized that while immigration authorities have discretion to approve or deny applications, they are not permitted to completely stop processing them.

“USCIS does not have discretion to decide not to adjudicate at all,” Judge Russell wrote in a 39-page ruling delivered on Monday.

The US government had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to interfere in immigration processing decisions. However, the judge rejected this argument, clarifying that the court was not ordering approvals but only requiring that applications be processed and decisions issued within a reasonable timeframe.

The ruling applies directly to 83 plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit challenging the indefinite suspension of their immigration applications. Legal experts say it could also influence similar cases involving thousands of other immigrants affected by the policy.

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Following the expansion of the travel restrictions in January, many immigrants from designated “high-risk countries” had their immigration processes paused. This included green card applications, visa renewals, and work authorisation permits.

Some applicants were unable to renew work permits, while international students under Optional Practical Training (OPT), particularly in STEM fields, also faced delays that affected their legal status and employment.

Advocacy group Project Pause Unpause, which supported the lawsuit, said USCIS collected over $1 billion in application fees from immigrants whose cases were not processed. The group described the ruling as a major victory for affected applicants, many of whom have lived in the US for years, paid taxes, and contributed to the economy.

USCIS defended the pause, saying it was necessary for enhanced national security screening of applicants from countries classified as high risk. The agency said the suspension allowed for more thorough vetting and insisted that protecting US citizens remains its top priority.

Although the court ruling does not guarantee approval of any application, it requires USCIS to stop leaving applicants in indefinite limbo and ensure timely decisions are made.

Legal analysts say the decision could set an important precedent for future cases involving immigration delays, administrative fairness, and due process rights in the United States.

Several African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, are among those affected by the broader restrictions, leaving many long-term residents uncertain about their immigration status.

The case adds to ongoing legal challenges against immigration policies introduced during the Trump administration, many of which continue to face judicial scrutiny and revisions.

US Judge Orders USCIS to Resume Green Card Processing for Trump Travel Ban Victims