The United Nations General Assembly approved a second term for Volker Türk as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The decision was adopted by a large majority despite the US and Russia voting no.
In the vote, 144 countries voted "yes" to extend Türk's term, while 10 countries, including the US, Russia and Israel, voted "no". 13 countries abstained.
Türk, who has held the post since October 2022, will have his second term run from 12 October 2026 to 11 October 2030.
UN Watch Issues Sharp Criticism
Following the extension, UN Watch, a non-governmental organization known for its pro-Israel stance and monitoring of the UN, launched a campaign. The group harshly criticized Türk on social media, alleging that during his term he condemned Israel 58 times and criticized the US more than China, North Korea and Cuba. It was also claimed that Türk described Iran's response to US and Israeli attacks as "retaliation".
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed satisfaction with Volker Türk's work.
Maria Nica / Editor