The United Nations’ top human rights official expressed deep concern over the increasing acceptance of using force to settle disputes, noting a nearly twofold rise in armed conflicts since 2010. Providing an overview of global human rights situations to the UN Human Rights Council, Volker Turk emphasized the need to reject violence as a fundamental principle.
Highlighting a troubling trend, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights cautioned that the frequency and normalization of resorting to force for dispute resolution are on the rise. Turk disclosed that the tally of armed conflicts has nearly doubled since 2010, reaching around 60, painting a grim picture of a world that is growing more perilous.
Turk criticized the escalating power struggles driven by self-interest, which he observed were undermining rights worldwide. He questioned the motivations behind the relentless pursuit of power, whether it was for economic dominance, amassing more influence, or advancing technological achievements, stressing that power should serve loftier goals.
In a scathing rebuke, Turk condemned leaders who abused power for personal gain, exploiting and oppressing others, and expressed bewilderment at the lack of decisive actions by political figures to reverse these concerning trends. He lamented the attacks on vital institutions like the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the Human Rights Council, calling for immediate measures to safeguard these entities.
Turk highlighted a disturbing shift over the past decade, noting that while a single hospital attack once sparked global outrage, current statistics reveal an average of 10 healthcare facilities being targeted daily. He urged global action to prevent the erosion of international humanitarian and human rights laws, emphasizing that the world cannot afford to watch passively as these frameworks are dismantled.
