UN Rights chief Volker Turk wins 2nd term with 144 votes despite US-Israeli opposition
In a Nutshell:
- The UN General Assembly voted 144 to 10, with 13 abstentions, to reappoint Volker Turk for another four years.
- Turk will become the first UN human rights chief to complete two full terms since the position was created in 1993.
- The US, Israel and Russia opposed his reappointment over criticism of his record on human rights issues.
Why it Matters
Turk’s reappointment was criticised by Israel and the US, with Washington calling the vote “another example of the UN’s inherent corruption and incompetence” and accusing the rights office of bias. But since securing another term, Turk has continued to challenge Israel, saying some actions in Lebanon could amount to war crimes and raising concerns over the destruction of civilian homes. His actions after the vote show the direction of his second term: continuing to criticise Israel over alleged rights abuses even as Israel and the US argue that the UN is unfairly targeting them.
What We Think
The debate around Turk’s second term has mostly focused on governments defending or attacking his record, while the people at the centre of these crises often get lost in the political fight. In Gaza, Ukraine and other conflicts, the UN has raised concerns over alleged abuses, but those statements can only go so far if civilians facing violence and rights violations do not see any change. Turk’s second term will be judged by whether his office can keep pressure on governments and ensure the people affected by these abuses are not reduced to figures in another political dispute.
