Geneva, In a press conference leading up to Human Rights Day, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk addressed a range of pressing global human rights issues. The High Commissioner reflected on his interactions with people from various countries, including those in crisis, and emphasized the universal desire for the respect and protection of human rights.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Türk highlighted the widespread concern for human rights violations worldwide, from the streets of Khartoum to the marshes of southern Iraq, and among Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador, Canada, Norway, and Sweden. He also mentioned the plight of people of African descent in the US and Colombia and those affected by war and violence.

Türk firmly stated that human rights have not failed, but rather the cynical disregard for them has led to the current global conflicts and crises. He stressed that these situations should serve as wake-up calls to the international community about the consequences of violating or sidelining human rights.

The High Commissioner called for human rights to be central to governance, not just in rhetoric but in actual policies, laws, and their implementation. He reminded the audience of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ origins and its role as a roadmap to a more just and stable world.

Türk also addressed specific crises, including the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crises in the Gaza Strip, Myanmar, Sudan, and Ukraine. He emphasized the need for immediate ceasefires, the protection of civilians, rigorous investigations into violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and accountability for perpetrators.

The High Commissioner’s statement underlines the urgent need for global action and adherence to human rights principles to address current challenges and prevent future atrocities.