How Volker Turk won a new term as UN rights chief despite Israel opposition
The UN General Assembly voted 144–10 to reelect Volker Turk as UN human rights chief for a second four-year term, despite opposition from the United States, Israel, and Russia. Turk, an Austrian lawyer who has served in the role since 2022, will become the first person to serve two full terms as UN rights chief since the position's creation in 1993.
The United Nations General Assembly has reelected Volker Turk to a second consecutive four-year term as UN human rights chief. The vote, held on Friday, resulted in 144 nations voting in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions. This outcome represents a significant endorsement despite coordinated opposition from three permanent Security Council members.
Turk, an Austrian lawyer who joined the UN in 1999, brings extensive experience from roles within the organization's refugee agency and senior positions at UN headquarters. He has worked in multiple countries including Malaysia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Prior to his appointment as human rights chief in 2022, he served as assistant secretary-general for strategic coordination under UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The reappointment proved contentious due to Turk's vocal criticism of multiple governments. He has publicly condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and US immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs objected to his record, alleging the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has mismanaged funds and abandoned neutrality. Russia's Deputy Ambassador accused Turk of bias and unfounded allegations.
The General Assembly rejected both a US proposal to delay the vote and a Russian proposal to limit Turk's term to the end of the year. The position of UN human rights chief inherently generates controversy, as it requires public criticism of member states for alleged rights violations. Turk's reelection makes him the first person to serve two full terms in this role since its establishment in 1993.
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