UN Photo UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Volker Türk will remain as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for another four years UN
The UN General Assembly on Friday approved Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ proposal to reappoint UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk for a new four-year term. The decision was made after several votes on alternative proposals that did not receive the support of a majority of states.
144 states voted to extend Turk’s mandate for four years. 10 countries opposed, and another 13 delegations abstained.
Before the final vote, the General Assembly considered two alternative initiatives. The United States initially proposed delaying the decision until the end of next week. However, this initiative did not receive the necessary support: 27 states voted for it, 63 voted against it, and another 47 delegations abstained.
Russia then introduced its own draft resolution, proposing to extend the powers of the High Commissioner only until December 31, 2026 – that is, until the end of the current term of office of the UN Secretary-General. The Russian side considered the four-year period too long under the circumstances. This project was also rejected. 19 states voted in favor, -71 against, and 52 more abstained.
The General Assembly then approved the Secretary-General’s initial proposal to appoint Volker Türk for a full four-year term. The new mandate will begin on October 12, 2026.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Volker Türk of Austria has served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since October 2022. Pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 48/141, the High Commissioner is appointed by the Secretary-General and confirmed by the General Assembly for a term of four years, with the possibility of one re-appointment for a further four years.
The High Commissioner is the UN’s chief human rights official. He directs the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), advises the Secretary-General on human rights policy, represents the head of the UN at relevant international events and coordinates the work of the entire human rights system of the organization.