Geneva, In the opening statement of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the critical global challenges faced by humanity, including conflicts, discrimination, and environmental degradation. Turk called for a unified effort from states and international organizations to uphold human rights commitments as a cornerstone for achieving peace, justice, and sustainable development.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Turk’s address highlighted the unbearable pain and suffering caused by conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and Haiti. He stressed the importance of remembering the victims’ faces and their anguish during the council’s discussions on human rights violations worldwide. The High Commissioner questioned whether demanding states uphold their human rights commitments is naïve or crucial in today’s context, suggesting that these commitments are essential and deeply rooted guarantees for stabilizing societies amidst turbulence.

The session marked an important moment for reflection on the successes and failures in implementing human rights, following a year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Turk reported that the event led to 153 Member States, alongside civil society groups, UN bodies, and businesses, making over 770 concrete pledges to advance human rights. These pledges ranged from increasing women’s leadership and tackling extreme poverty to ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social protections.

Turk also introduced “Human Rights: A Path for Solutions,” a publication summarizing the year’s efforts to inform future actions for peace and sustainable development. He expressed concern over negotiations on international treaties and global discussions that fail to consider human rights obligations adequately. Additionally, Turk condemned attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the United Nations and its agencies through disinformation and propaganda, emphasizing the UN’s crucial role in addressing global challenges.

The High Commissioner’s call for action underscores the urgency of addressing human rights violations and the need for a collective effort to navigate the complex landscape of global crises. The commitment to human rights principles, as Turk suggests, is not only a moral obligation but a practical necessity for ensuring a just and sustainable future for all.