By presenting its annual report to Third Committee of the General AssemblyVolker Türk stressed that surveys consistently show that people around the world overwhelmingly support the values that underpin human rights, namely dignity, equality and justice.
He exhorted the international community to “build on this energy, at a time when disquiet, disenfranchisement, disillusionment and disarray are spreading across the world.”
War in Sudan: “total disregard” for human rights
Mr. Türk noted that “several governments are openly flouting the norms that bind us and the universal values that define us,” as evidenced by the multiple conflicts erupting across the world.
Warring parties in Sudan “continue to show total disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said, while the situation in the besieged town of El Fasher in Darfur “is devastating and extremely alarming.”
“All countries must respect the Security Councilthe arms embargo. The protection of civilians, full humanitarian access, an end to the conflict and a return to civilian rule are the main priorities,” he said.
“Deadliest” phase of the conflict in Ukraine
Meanwhile, “the war in Ukraine has entered an even deadlier phase for civilians,” as schools, hospitals and shelters face relentless bombardment.
The Ukrainian and Russian people “are in urgent need of peace, in accordance with United Nations Charterinternational law and General Assembly resolutions,” he said.
He referred to the situation in Myanmar, where “civilians continue to suffer the cruelest toll”. The population “is demanding a viable future in which all communities can live in peace, without discrimination”.
He also highlighted recent encouraging efforts for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which “must be accompanied by a changing reality on the ground,” including a genuine ceasefire.
Ceasefire and aid to Gaza
Regarding Gaza, Mr. Türk welcomed the release of all the hostages and many Palestinians arbitrarily detained as part of the first phase of the ceasefire.
“This must lead to a permanent ceasefire, with large-scale humanitarian aid,” he said.
“Recovery efforts must aim to hold accountable those responsible for gross violations and abuses of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law. »
He stressed that “the goal must remain peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, through the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”
Support human rights
The High Commissioner also reported on the work of his office, which included supporting transitional justice efforts in Syria and human rights monitoring training for civil society in Haiti.
He highlighted the “precarious financial situation” she faces OHCHR expects a budget deficit of $103 million this year, which “represents a gap of nearly 20 percent of the bare minimum needed to effectively implement our mandate.”
He warned that “without adequate funding, serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law could remain hidden from the world,” thereby giving perpetrators “a free pass” and making the world less safe.
“Human rights – and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – need large-scale financial, political and strategic support,” he said.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
