Volker Turk

The UN reported that Iran executed at least 56 people since 19 March, including 27 in cases related to protests earlier this year. UN human rights chief Volker Turk noted an increase in executions and death sentences since March and urged Iran to halt executions and abolish the death penalty.

Iran supports Volker Turk's reappointment as UN human rights chief despite opposition from the US, Israel, and Russia. Iran's diplomatic mission in Geneva expressed confidence in Turk's efforts to address international crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

US diplomats walked out during a UN Security Council meeting as France criticized the Trump administration’s human rights record. The US opposed the reappointment of UN human rights chief Volker Turk, which France supported.

The UN General Assembly extended Volker Turk’s term as high commissioner for human rights for four years despite opposition from the US, Russia, and Israel. The vote passed 144–10 with 13 abstentions, rejecting alternative proposals to limit the term. The US criticized the process as rushed, warning of potential consequences for UN funding and engagement.

The UN General Assembly voted 144-10 to reappoint Volker Turk as UN rights chief for a new four-year term. The decision proceeded despite objections from the US, Israel, and Russia.

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, was re-elected for a four-year term with a 144-10 vote in the UN General Assembly despite opposition from the US, Russia, and Israel. The vote proceeded despite attempts to delay or shorten his term.

Volker Turk will serve a second term as UN rights chief, becoming the first to hold the position for two terms. His reappointment occurred despite opposition from the United States and Israel.

The UN General Assembly approved a four-year extension for UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk, rejecting a Russian counter-proposal to limit his term. Russia, Israel, and the United States opposed the extension, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supported it.

The UN General Assembly approved a four-year extension for U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk despite opposition from Russia, Israel, and the United States. A large majority rejected a Russian counter-proposal to extend his term until the end of 2026.

The United Nations urged the safe evacuation and repatriation of approximately 6,000 sailors facing a 'dire humanitarian and human rights crisis' in the Strait of Hormuz, linked to the Middle East war. UN human rights chief Volker Turk, through his spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo, called for urgent action to address their plight.

Israel and Russia oppose re-electing UN human rights chief Volker Turk to a new term. The vote is scheduled for Friday, with no other known candidates for the position.

UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk faces opposition from Russia and Israel to his second four-year term ahead of a vote. Turk has criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza.

The U.N. human rights chief stated that the resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran is a significant setback for civilians, risking disruptions to essential supplies like food and medicines. The fighting undermines peace efforts and increases regional instability, posing grave human rights risks.

The UN human rights chief warned that renewed hostilities between the US and Iran pose grave risks to civilians and human rights, urging both sides to avoid escalation. The conflict undermines peace efforts and deepens regional instability, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, warned of a human rights catastrophe in Sudan's al-Obeid, North Kordofan, urging global action during an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The UN reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have systematically used rape and sexual slavery as weapons of war since 2023, with 87% of verified incidents attributed to the RSF and allied groups. The OHCHR documented 546 verified cases affecting 838 victims across 16 states, concluding these acts may constitute crimes against humanity.

The UN warns that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) may imminently siege el-Obeid, risking atrocities similar to those in el-Fasher. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk emphasized the danger of repeating past massacres, while a coalition of countries urged de-escalation and adherence to international law.

The UN condemned US sanctions on Cuba for causing increased infant mortality and reduced survival rates for child cancer patients. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that Trump's fuel shipment cuts are depriving Cubans of water, food, and healthcare.

Volker Turk, the UN's high commissioner for human rights, urges the US to lift sanctions on Cuba immediately, citing that children are dying due to an oil blockade.

The UN condemned Russia's intensifying strikes on Ukraine, warning that the escalation risks pushing the war into a dangerous new phase. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN rights chief Volker Turk highlighted a 21 percent rise in civilian casualties in the first four months of 2026.

The UN human rights chief condemned Israel's attacks on Lebanon as 'horrific' following a ceasefire. The conflict involves Iran and Israel, with Lebanon mourning recent raids.