UN human rights chief wins second term despite opposition from US, Israel and Russia
The assembly backed the extension by 144 votes, with the United States warning it would reassess funding and engagement.
- On Friday, the 193-member United Nations General Assembly voted 144–10–13 to extend the term of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk for four years, adopting Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' proposal.
- Guterres proposed the extension before his own December departure, ensuring leadership continuity for the human rights office, which was established to speak out against the erosion of freedoms.
- Israel's Foreign Ministry labeled the reappointment a "moral failure" while Russia's deputy ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Chumakov alleged Turk demonstrated bias and brought "yet another apple of discord" to the assembly.
- The United States warned it would immediately reassess engagement, participation, and funding, with U.S. Representative for U.N. Management and Reform Jeff Bartos calling the vote proof the body is "dysfunctional."
- Louis Charbonneau, U.N. Director at Human Rights Watch, said the role demands a chief who will "fearlessly resist efforts by powerful countries" to undermine human rights bodies protecting freedoms globally.
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Cleveland Jewish News
Jewish News SyndicateIsrael: Guterres cements 'infamous legacy' with second term for UN rights chief
Describing the move as “unprecedented and highly controversial,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it ties “the hands of his successor” and degrades the U.N.’s “rules-based order.”
The head of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, was elected for a second term on Friday despite opposition from the US, Russia and Israel to remain in office for another four years.
Volker Turk's term as UN human rights chief extended despite US warnings
The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to renew Volker Turk’s mandate as high commissioner for human rights for four years despite strong opposition from the United States, Russia and Israel. By a vote of 144 in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions, the assembly approved the renewal, beginning October 12, 2026, as proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. An alternative proposal from Russia to extend the mandate by only a…
By 144 votes to 10, with 13 abstentions, the plenary of the Member States approved the renewal of Türk's term of office, beginning on 12 October, accepting the proposal of Secretary-General António Guterres.
Despite resistance from Russia, the US and Israel, the Austrian Volker Türk has been elected as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with 144 votes for a further four years. He will be the first human rights commissioner to complete two terms of office.
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