UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk addresses opening of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

“Any sustainable peace must be anchored in the rights, needs and aspirations of the Ukrainian people, in accountability, and in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. The decisions made today – whether they foster justice or impunity – will shape what follows,” Türk said at the opening of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

“In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, where the suffering has been unbearable, I repeat my call for an independent investigation into grave violations of international law, committed by Israel in the course of its attacks across Gaza, and by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups,” he said.

“Any sustainable solution must be based on accountability, justice, the right to self-determination, and the human rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians. Any suggestion of forcing people from their land is completely unacceptable,” Türk said.

Beyond Ukraine and Gaza, conflicts and crises are tearing communities and societies apart, from Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar and Afghanistan.

Highlighting multiple challenges, the High Commissioner called for an all-out effort by everyone to make sure that human rights and the rule of law remain central to communities, societies and international relations.

“The global consensus on human rights is crumbling under the weight of authoritarians, strongmen and oligarchs,” Türk warned.

“Everywhere, we see attempts to ignore, undermine, and redefine human rights; and to create a false binary that pits one right against another in a zero-sum game. There are concerted efforts to chip away at gender equality, and the rights of migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, and minorities of all kinds,” the High Commissioner said.

“But human rights, from the right to food and adequate housing, to the rights to health, education, and freedom of speech – are for everyone.”

That is the backdrop against which the UN Human Rights Office and the broader human rights ecosystem, including the Human Rights Council, are working to safeguard and promote the rights of everyone, everywhere.

“Today, we need an alternative vision. We need the politics of wisdom, rooted in facts, the law, and compassion,” he said.

“Human rights go beyond thought leadership, to heart leadership. They tap into some of our most cherished ideals about how people should treat each other, and the meaning of human dignity,” he said.

Upholding human rights makes eminent sense for stability, for prosperity, for a better common future, Türk stressed.

“Human rights are a winning proposition for humanity. We will continue to protect, promote and defend them around the world, with humility, determination, and indomitable hope,” he concluded.

The High Commissioner will deliver his Global Update to the UN Human Rights Council on 3 March.

For more information and media requests, please contact

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

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

Thameen Al-Kheetan - + - +41 22 917 4232 / thameen.alkheetan@un.org

Seif Magango Tel: +41 79 752 0488 / seif.magango@un.org

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