UN Human Rights

Civilians bear brunt of the reckless war as conflict continues to spread in Middle East. @volker_turk calls for renewed diplomatic efforts to pull region back from the brink, prevent further loss of civilian life & destruction of vital infrastructure. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

#Colombia remains one of the deadliest places to be a human rights defender – new UN report calls for urgent action to end widespread violence against human rights defenders. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

Just back from the #UK, where I met officials, @JennyChapman, civil society, students, UNA-UK and philanthropists. In thoughtful and engaging conversations, one message stood out: in times of turbulence, we must stand together to protect human rights for all.

AI can make the world safer and more peaceful, but it brings new challenges, from concerns about privacy, inequality, jobs and polarization, to environmental harm. We need to control AI and take ownership of our future. ➡️ My remarks at @UCL ohchr.org/en/statements-…

UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk appalled by recent antisemitic attacks against synagogues & Jewish institutions in Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and the US. Those responsible must be brought to justice. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

#Palestine: We call on #Israel to immediately & completely cease & reverse the establishment and expansion of settlements, evacuate all settlers, & end its occupation of the Palestinian territory. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

#Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes destroy entire residential buildings in dense neighbourhoods, with multiple members of the same family, including women and children, often killed together. Hundreds of homes & civilian infrastructure, incl. healthcare facilities, are also being destroyed. @volker_turk urges an immediate cessation of hostilities & accountability for all violations. ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

#Afghanistan/#Pakistan: We call for investigations & accountability for last night’s tragic blast at a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul, that left scores of patients dead. All parties must take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians. ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

#Palestine: The #Israeli government accelerated unlawful settlement expansion & annexation in West Bank, forcibly displacing over 36,000 Palestinians amid increasing violence by Israeli security forces & settlers — new @UNHumanRights report. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

#NorthKorea: people face severe repression and isolation, with extremely limited accountability. At @UN_HRC I urge the international community to keep it firmly on the agenda. ➡️ ohchr.org/en/statements-…

#Venezuela: Human rights must guide the path ahead - UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk highlights five key areas for action to heal divisions and correct the wrongs of the past. @UN_HRC #HRC61 ohchr.org/en/statements-…

#NorthKorea: Fundamental rights remain severely curtailed, incl freedom of expression, right to information, freedom of movement, as well as access to food and healthcare - @volker_turk updates @UN_HRC #HRC61 on the human rights situation in the #DPRK. ohchr.org/en/statements-…

#Venezuela: @volker_turk calls on the authorities, the opposition within & outside the country & all those with political responsibilities to unite around human rights & put the people of their country first. @UN_HRC #HRC61 ohchr.org/en/statements-…

On the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we honour Muslims around the world who make our communities stronger & richer. Our shared humanity rests on the dignity & equality of every person. We must call out anti-Muslim hatred wherever we find it.   ohchr.org/en/statements-…

#Indonesia: Deeply concerned by horrific acid attack on Andrie Yunus, the Deputy External Affairs Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (@KontraS). Those responsible for this cowardly act of violence must be held to account. HRDs must be protected in their vital work & able to raise without fear issues of public concern. - @volker_turk

China: @volker_turk concerned by ‘Ethnic Unity Law’ adopted by National People's Congress. This risks entrenching assimilationist policies in statute, restricting minority-language education, & limiting free practice of religion & culture. Its provisions could overly restrict freedoms of expression, belief & assembly & penalize peaceful exercise of minority rights generally. International human rights law requires States to protect identities of ethnic, linguistic & religious minorities.

Promoting and protecting the human rights of young people is a key part of @UNHumanRights work. Glad to be part of @giuliatariello’s video highlighting why youth participation matters. Young people aren’t just our future – they are driving change right now.

#Sudan: Over 200 civilians killed in drone strikes in Kordofan & White Nile since 4 March alone. These attacks are devastating and simply appalling. All parties must abide by the laws of war and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian objects. The Sudanese people have suffered far too much. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…