Volker Türk

It has been fascinating to follow the Artemis II mission by NASA. Space exploration puts things into perspective; it reminds us that beyond our differences, we share one humanity and one home. And with that comes a shared responsibility to protect both. #HumanSpaceFlight

Appalled by the Russian authorities’ move to designate the widely respected human rights organization Memorial as "extremist". This is part of a continued crackdown on freedom of expression. I urge them to reverse this decision immediately.  ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

There is still no safety for Palestinians in Gaza. The international community must act to end Israel’s violations of international law, ensure accountability by all parties, and guarantee Palestinians can start rebuilding their homes and communities. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

Attacks on civic space and media freedom in Serbia are deeply worrying. Reports of violence and voter intimidation during local elections raise serious concerns. I urge the authorities to protect free expression and peaceful assembly. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

I condemn the massive wave of strikes by #Israel across #Lebanon today, with reports of hundreds killed and injured, including civilians. This puts enormous pressure on a fragile ceasefire in the region, which is so desperately needed. ➡️ ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

I hope fervently the announcement of a ceasefire by #UnitedStates & #Iran will bring relief to all civilians who have suffered now for weeks & remain at great risk - @volker_turk. I urge all parties to act in good faith & to ensure this first step translates into a comprehensive agreement. It is also crucial to end the pain & suffering brought by the war in #Lebanon. A lasting regional peace, protecting human rights & respecting international law, is essential.

Incendiary rhetoric in the Middle East war, including threats to annihilate a whole civilisation and target civilian infrastructure, is sickening. The spread of fear and terror must stop. Urgent de-escalation is needed to protect lives. ➡️ ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

Today, we mourn the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda – over 1M lives lost in 100 days. Genocide has warning signs: deep discrimination, dehumanisation, incitement to hatred. States must prevent & punish this horrific atrocity crime. ohchr.org/en/statements-…

On this #WorldHealthDay, we celebrate the power of science to protect the health of people and our planet. The choices we make – what we research, fund, and prioritize – must be guided by the dignity and equality of all people.

My warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Easter and all those marking Passover. May these days help us reflect on the lessons of hope and justice they carry, and to remember what connects us: the dignity of every person and the need to stand in solidarity with one another.

Mines and explosive devices kill or injure a person every hour. Many of them are children. I urge States to accede to or rejoin the Ottawa Treaty and invest in #MineAction to protect communities, support survivors, and rebuild lives. #IMAD2026

National human rights institutions provide a safety net for people worldwide. Glad to join @Ganhri1 to discuss how we can strengthen human rights everywhere, including digital spaces. Together, we can steer the digital revolution in service of humanity. ➡️ohchr.org/en/statements-…

UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk warns of deepening clampdown on freedom of expression across Middle East since the US and Israeli attacks, citing disturbing reports of arbitrary detentions and other forms of State repression. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

I urge #Israel to repeal its death penalty law and reject a proposed special court that would prosecute only Palestinians. These measures entrench discriminatory, one-sided justice. All victims are entitled to equal protection of the law all perpetrators must be held to account.

Bombed classrooms, apartment buildings, and medical facilities — this is the price civilians are paying across the Gulf and the Middle East. All parties must halt further escalation and return to meaningful dialogue. ➡️ My @UN_HRC remarks: ohchr.org/en/statements-…

Grateful for the frank and meaningful discussions with a wide range of stakeholders in Washington, DC over the past days. Human Rights bind us together. Looking forward to continuing and expanding these exchanges.

Confronting the past is essential to building a better future. Visiting the @UN memorial to the victims of slavery was a reminder of the unspeakable harm inflicted by enslavement and colonialism. We need to #RememberSlavery, in order to erase its legacy.

.@volker_turk calls for the immediate & unconditional release of 73 UN staff arbitrarily detained in Yemen incl. 8 from @UNHumanRights. The injustice of their detention is compounded everyday. Their suffering, and that of their families, is intolerable. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

Arrived in Washington, DC. Looking forward to many important conversations with officials, members of Congress, civil society and others on global, regional and domestic human rights priorities.

Knowing the truth about human rights violations is crucial to reconciliation and justice. On the International Day for the Right to Truth about Human Rights Abuses, we honour victims and human rights defenders who break the silence and uncover the facts.