He urged the international community to “harness this energy, at a time when unrest, disenfranchisement, disillusionment and disorder are spreading around the world.”
Sudan War: “Absolute disregard” for human rights
Mr. Türk noted that “several governments are openly disregarding the norms that unite us and the universal values that define us,” and this is evident by the multiple conflicts occurring around the world.
The warring parties in Sudan “continue to show utter disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said, while the situation in the besieged city of El Fasher in Darfur “is devastating and extremely alarming.”
“All countries must respect the Security Council’s arms embargo. The protection of civilians, full humanitarian access, an end to the conflict and a return to civilian rule are top priorities,” he said.
“Deadliest” phase of the conflict in Ukraine
Meanwhile, “the war in Ukraine has entered an even more lethal stage for civilians,” as schools, hospitals and shelters face relentless bombing.
The people of Ukraine and Russia “urgently need peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions,” he said.
He referred to the situation in Myanmar, where “civilians continue to suffer the cruelest victims.” People “call for a viable future in which all communities can live in peace, free of discrimination.”
He also highlighted recent encouraging efforts towards peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which “must be accompanied by a changing reality on the ground”, including a genuine ceasefire.
Ceasefire and help Gaza
Regarding Gaza, Mr. Türk welcomed the release of all hostages and many arbitrarily detained Palestinians as part of the first phase of the ceasefire.
“This must lead to a permanent ceasefire, with a large-scale flow of humanitarian aid,” he said.
“Recovery efforts must pursue accountability for serious 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 efforts towards transitional justice in Syria and human rights monitoring training for civil society in Haiti.
He highlighted the “precarious financial situation” it faces, as OHCHR expects a budget deficit of $103 million this year, which “represents a gap of almost 20 percent of the minimum needed to effectively implement our mandate.”
He warned that “without adequate funding, serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law can remain hidden from the world,” effectively giving perpetrators “a free pass” and making the world less safe.
“Human rights – and the UN human rights office – need large-scale financial, political and strategic support,” he said.