UN Human Rights Volker Türk Global Update speech to the 56th Human Rights Council edit
/
3:12
/
MP4
/
466.5 MB

Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG

UN Human Rights Volker Türk Global Update speech to the 56th Human Rights Council edit

Killings and injuries of civilians have become a daily occurrence. Destruction of vital infrastructure a daily occurrence. Devastating and reckless. Children shot at. Hospitals bombed. Heavy artillery launched on entire communities. All along with hateful, divisive, and dehumanising rhetoric,” said Türk, in his Global Update to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The High Commissioner voiced dismay at the extent to which warring parties have pushed beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable - and legal - on many fronts, with utter contempt for the other, trampling human rights at their core.

We urgently need to find our way back to peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law,” Türk stressed.

As of the end of May 2024, the gap between humanitarian funding requirements and available resources stands at US $40.8 billion USD. Appeals are funded at an average of 16.1 per cent only, Türk said.

This is in stark contrast with the almost 2.5 trillion USD in global military expenditure in 2023, a 6.8 per cent increase in real terms from 2022, the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009.

In addition to inflicting unbearable human suffering, war comes with a hefty price tag,” he said, detailing the far-reaching impact of war and conflict on the environment.

Burning of land, chemical contamination of air, water and soil, destruction of civilian infrastructure, even the risk of nuclear catastrophe. This comes on top of some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today — climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. And with every passing day, humanity’s window of opportunity closes,” he said.

In his speech, the High Commissioner also highlighted the continuing pushbacks on the rights of women and girls, noting that active resistance to gender equality is a key factor in slowing progress – even reversing gains made – in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

No country is immune from regression in women’s rights. Everyone must be vigilant and steadfast in countering this pushback. And with the same determination, challenge harmful narratives, embrace inclusivity and respect the rights and dignity of everyone, everywhere,” said Türk.

Any form of hate speech is unacceptable, dangerous for social cohesion and a harbinger of worse to come, the High Commissioner said.

I once again warn warned of the dangers of antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, as well as divisive rhetoric and disinformation that cast migrants and refugees as the scapegoats for wider challenges in society, including socio-economic issues. This has become particularly fashionable among populists and far right extremists in election campaigns in Europe, North America and elsewhere,” he said.

The High Commissioner also flagged the increasingly aggressive verbal attacks, threats and reprisals, and virulent social media campaigns against international institutions and mechanisms, including the United Nations generally, the UN Human Rights Office, Special Procedures mandate holders, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

This is unacceptable. These institutions were set up and mandated by States precisely to undertake their crucial work — States must facilitate this work and protect it from undue interference and attack. I would like each of us to think hard about how to ensure that the achievements of the multilateral system are not undermined and that we are able to do our job,” he said.

A strong and effective human rights system is key to effective multilateral cooperation, and to building a better future for people and planet. My Office is ready to play its part.”

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 or

Thameen Al-Kheetan - + 41 76 223 77 62 / thameen.alkheetan@un.org

Tag and share

Twitter @UNHumanRights

Facebook unitednationshumanrights

Instagram @unitednationshumanrights

STORY: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk Global Update speech to the 56th Human Rights Council

TRT: 03:12
SOURCE: UNOG/OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: English/ NATS
ASPECT RATIO: 16:9
DATELINE: 18 June 2024-
Geneva, Switzerland

SHOTLIST

1. Exterior: Alley of flags, Palais des Nations

2. Interior: Room 20

3. Interior: Room 20 Volker Türk on Podium

4. Cut Aways: Room 20

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Killings and injuries of civilians have become a daily occurrence. Destruction of vital infrastructure a daily occurrence. Devastating and reckless. Children shot at. Hospitals bombed. Heavy artillery launched on entire communities. All along with hateful, divisive, and dehumanising rhetoric.”

6. Cut Aways: Room 20

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: We urgently need to find our way back to peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law.”

8. Cut Aways: Room 20

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: In addition to inflicting unbearable human suffering, war comes with a hefty price tag.”

10. Cut Aways: Room 20

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Burning of land, chemical contamination of air, water and soil, destruction of civilian infrastructure, even the risk of nuclear catastrophe. This comes on top of some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today — climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. And with every passing day, humanity’s window of opportunity closes.”

12. Cut Aways: Room 20

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: No country is immune from regression in women’s rights. Everyone must be vigilant and steadfast in countering this pushback. And with the same determination, challenge harmful narratives, embrace inclusivity and respect the rights and dignity of everyone, everywhere.”

14. Cut Aways: Room 20

15. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: I once again warn warned of the dangers of antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, as well as divisive rhetoric and disinformation that cast migrants and refugees as the scapegoats for wider challenges in society, including socio-economic issues. This has become particularly fashionable among populists and far right extremists in election campaigns in Europe, North America and elsewhere.”

16. Cut Aways: Room 20

17. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: This is unacceptable. These institutions were set up and mandated by States precisely to undertake their crucial work — States must facilitate this work and protect it from undue interference and attack. I would like each of us to think hard about how to ensure that the achievements of the multilateral system are not undermined and that we are able to do our job.”

18. Cut Aways: Room 20

19. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: A strong and effective human rights system is key to effective multilateral cooperation, and to building a better future for people and planet. My Office is ready to play its part.”

20. Cut Aways: Room 20


Audio Files 1
Download UN Human Rights Volker Türk Global Update speech to the 56th Human Rights Council edit (Edited Story)
Download

Similar Stories

Uganda UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani  urges president to reject bill allowing trials of civilians in military courts

1

1

1

Edited News | OHCHR

Uganda UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani urges president to reject bill allowing trials of civilians in military courts ENG FRA

UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani today urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to reject a bill that was recently endorsed by parliament allowing trials of civilians in military courts. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces Amendment Bill 2025, which was passed on 20 May and now awaits presidential signature to become law, among others broadens the jurisdiction of military courts, authorising them to try a wide range of offences against civilians.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango: South Sudan: UN human rights chief decries escalating hostilities, arbitrary arrests and hate speech

1

1

1

Edited News | OHCHR

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango: South Sudan: UN human rights chief decries escalating hostilities, arbitrary arrests and hate speech ENG FRA

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango today warned of a further deterioration in the human rights situation in South Sudan at the bi-weekly briefing in Geneva.

Syria humanitarian update OCHA - WHO 23 May 2025

1

1

1

Edited News | OCHA , WHO

Syria humanitarian update OCHA - WHO 23 May 2025 ENG FRA

Syria: ‘Staggering’ needs amid insecurity, health care crisis  - UN humanitarians

Millions of people in Syria continue to face mortal danger from unexploded munitions, disease and malnutrition and urgent support is required, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

Gaza health update - UNRWA - OCHA - WHO

1

1

1

Edited News | UNRWA , OCHA , WHO

Gaza health update - UNRWA - OCHA - WHO ENG FRA

UN life-saving aid allowed to trickle into Gaza as civilian needs mount

Amid calls for more humanitarian trucks to enter the food and medicine-deprived Palestinian enclave of Gaza, UN humanitarians have received permission from Israel for “around 100” more aid trucks to cross into the Strip after only five were let in yesterday,  But the scale of relief efforts allowed remains entirely insufficient to meet the urgent needs of people there, humanitarian workers say.

Press vests becoming a target - war reporter Christina Assi

1

1

1

Edited News

Press vests becoming a target - war reporter Christina Assi ENG FRA

A war reporter from Lebanon who lost a limb in the line of duty is calling for an end to impunity for attacks against journalists.

ITU 160th Anniversary - 17 May 2025

1

1

1

Edited News | ITU

ITU 160th Anniversary - 17 May 2025 ENG FRA

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) commemorated 160 years dedicated to connecting the world on Saturday, 17 May in Geneva, Switzerland, during the annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Gaza humanitarian update – WHO, OCHA 16 May 2025

1

1

1

Edited News | WHO , OCHA

Gaza humanitarian update – WHO, OCHA 16 May 2025 ENG FRA

Gazans ‘in terror’ after another night of deadly strikes and siege

Amid reports that Israeli strikes across Gaza into Friday killed at least 64 people, aid teams once again pushed back strongly at allegations that aid is being diverted to Hamas and pleaded for the blockade to end.

UN Human Rights raises human rights concerns about deportations from the United States of America

1

1

1

Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG

UN Human Rights raises human rights concerns about deportations from the United States of America ENG FRA

Deportations over recent months of large numbers of non-nationals from the United States of America, especially to countries other than those of their origin, raise a number of human rights concerns, the UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned on Tuesday.   

Gaza health update - WHO

1

1

1

Edited News | WHO

Gaza health update - WHO ENG FRA

Gaza: Over 50 child malnutrition deaths amid aid blockade; entire generation will be ‘permanently affected’ - WHO

In the aid desert of Gaza, malnourished children are dying while survivors can expect a lifetime of dire health problems, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

Gaza aid update - UNICEF, UNRWA, WHO 09 May 2025

1

1

1

Edited News | WHO , UNICEF , UNRWA

Gaza aid update - UNICEF, UNRWA, WHO 09 May 2025 ENG FRA

Israel’s aid plan will force Gaza families to choose ‘between displacement and death’ – UN humanitarians

Israel’s plan to take control of relief assistance in Gaza risks increasing the suffering of families already exhausted by 18 months of war by putting their lives in danger and inciting more displacement, using aid as “bait”, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

Gaza humanitarian blockade  OCHA - WHO

1

1

1

Edited News | OCHA , WHO

Gaza humanitarian blockade OCHA - WHO ENG FRA

UN Humanitarians reject Israeli plan to take over aid delivery

The reported Israeli proposal to deliver humanitarian supplies through hubs controlled by the military would be a breach of the core principles of neutral, impartial and independent aid delivery, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Tuesday.

 

Gaza two months blockade - OCHA 02 MAY 2025

1

1

1

Edited News , B-roll | OCHA

Gaza two months blockade - OCHA 02 MAY 2025 ENG FRA

Gaza: ‘Worst-case scenario’ unfolds as two-month aid blockade deepens suffering - OCHA

Two months into a devastating aid blockade of Gaza food has run out and people are fighting over water amid relentless bombing, the UN’s humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) said on Friday.

/Includes OCHA footage from Gaza City/