UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom : OHCHR - High Commissioner Volker Türk Press conference

“Human rights have not failed. It is the cynical disregard for human rights, and the failure to respect and heed warnings on human rights that has got us here,” Türk told a news conference in Geneva, ahead of Human Rights Day on 10 December.

“Human rights are inherent to every human being. Leaders who ignore this truth imperil the people they are meant to serve. Unfortunately, leaders in many parts of the world have done just this. As a result, we are seeing violent conflict increase and intensify across the globe,” the High Commissioner said.

There is an utter and deepening horror for Palestinians in Gaza, two months after the horrific 7 October attacks on Israel by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, and nowhere is safe.

“The catastrophic situation we see unfolding in the Gaza Strip was entirely foreseeable and preventable. My humanitarian colleagues have described the situation as apocalyptic,” Türk stressed.

“In these circumstances, there is a heightened risk of atrocity crimes. Measures need to be taken urgently – both by the parties concerned and by all States – particularly those with influence – to prevent any such crimes. The international community needs to insist with one voice on a ceasefire, immediately, on human rights and humanitarian grounds,” the High Commissioner said.

The human rights crisis in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was also extremely alarming, Türk highlighted. This includes an increase in unnecessary or disproportionate, even militarised, use of force by Israeli forces resulting in a rise in unlawful killings, much more aggressive and frequent settler violence leading to the forced displacement of Palestinian communities, record increases in arbitrary arrests and detention, an alarming spike in deaths in custody and allegations of ill-treatment of Palestinians in detention, including sexual violence. The Israeli authorities must take immediate steps to end widespread impunity for such violations.

Türk also reiterated his grave concern at dehumanizing statements by current and former high-level Israeli officials, as well as Hamas figures.

“History has shown us where this kind of language can lead. This is not just unacceptable, but a competent court may view such statements, in the circumstances in which they were made, as incitement to atrocity crimes,” Türk said.

“As more information emerges on allegations of sexual violence perpetrated by members of armed Palestinian groups, including Hamas, during their attacks on Israel on 7-8 October, it is painfully clear that these attacks need to be fully investigated to ensure justice for the victims,” he added.

In Myanmar, the human rights crisis caused by the military continues to inflict an unbearable toll on civilians. To date, credible sources have verified that military forces have killed over 4,232 civilians since the coup. Civilians have suffered countless violations – facing airstrikes, artillery shelling, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, as well as sexual violence, displacement, denial of humanitarian access and the burning of their homes, fields and villages.

“Now, as ever, it is necessary that all parties ensure that the civilian population is adequately protected. There must be intensified efforts by the international community for an end to the violence and the peaceful restoration of an inclusive and representative government,” he said.

In Sudan, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces rages, with significant risk of a protracted civil war and fragmentation of the country. More than 7,000 civilians, including women and children, have been killed since April 2023, and 6.3 million displaced.

“We have documentation of rape being used as a weapon of war, particularly by RSF and affiliated forces. Ethnic and racial tensions are being stoked. And there is a general breakdown of the rule of law across Sudan. Neither party to the conflict has sought to address seriously the conduct of their own forces,” the UN Human Rights Chief said, calling on both parties to ensure all personnel responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights are held accountable.

At COP28, the UN Human rights Office is joining others to press for more action to address the climate crisis and secure the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

“Fulfilling the rights to health, life, and a healthy environment requires the equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels,” Türk said. “The future of our planet and generations to come are at stake and it is essential that the voices of civil society representatives are heard loud and clear in crafting actionable solutions.”

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Geneva

Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org or

Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org or

Jeremy Laurence + +41 22 917 9383 / jeremy.laurence@un.org or

Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org

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