UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk faces opposition from both Russia and Israel to a second four-year term, ahead of a vote expected on Friday, diplomats told Reuters. Turk, who serves as the UN’s top human rights official, is described by the sources as having taken outspoken positions critical of Russia’s war in Ukraine and of Israel’s actions in Gaza. His current mandate runs for four years and is set to end in October, after which he would seek renewal for another term. One outlet notes Turk’s long tenure within the UN system, including work in Geneva and field postings such as Kosovo, alongside his broader advocacy on human rights protections. Another source highlights his role in defending freedoms amid rising pressure on democratic norms. While the reporting does not specify the grounds or formal voting details of Russia and Israel’s opposition, it indicates the vote could be contentious due to the governments’ differing views of Turk’s approach to the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. The decision is expected to be determined by member-state voting during the scheduled renewal process.
Russia and Israel oppose UN rights chief Volker Turk’s second term
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk faces opposition from both Russia and Israel to a second four-year term, ahead of a vote expected on Friday, diplomats told Reuters. Turk, who serves...
- UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk faces opposition from both Russia and Israel to a second four-year term.
- A vote on Turk’s renewal is expected on Friday and could be contentious.
- Turk’s current four-year term ends in October.
- Sources describe Turk as publicly critical of Russia’s war in Ukraine and of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
- Turk has worked for the UN for decades, including roles in Geneva and field work such as Kosovo.
The high commissioner ends his first four-year term in October and has played a crucial role in defending freedoms as democracy comes under pressure.
4 hours agoBy Emma Farge and Olivia Le PoidevinGENEVA, July 23 (Reuters) - United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk, an outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza, faces opposition from both countries to a second four-year term ahead of a potentially contentious vote on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.High Commissioner Turk, an Austrian lawyer who has worked for the United Nations for decades in major offices like Geneva and field locations like Kosovo, ends his first four-year term in October.
8 hours agoBy Emma Farge, Olivia Le Poidevin and David BrunnstromGENEVA, July 23 (Reuters) - United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk, an outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza, faces opposition from both countries to a second four-year term ahead of a potentially contentious vote on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.Turk, a lawyer who has worked for the United Nations for decades in major offices such as Geneva and field locations includingKosovo, ends his first four-year term in October.
8 hours ago
Australia announces additional funding for AUKUS nuclear submarine shipyard in Adelaide
Australia announces further funding for AUKUS submarine-related shipyard capacity in Adelaide as it prepares for nuclear...
Hun Manet pledges tougher action against evolving transnational scam networks
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says Cambodia will intensify its crackdown on transnational online scam networks as c...
Philippines faces projected fuel price hikes next week amid renewed US-Iran Middle East tensions
Philippine fuel prices are expected to rise again next week as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran conti...