UN human rights chief Volker Turk faces pushback in bid for second term

United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk is encountering significant opposition from Russia and Israel as he seeks a second four-year term. The Austrian lawyer, whose current term ends in October, has been an outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's actions in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who steps down in December, has proposed extending Turk's mandate until 2030.

However, Russia has submitted a counter-proposal to extend Turk's term only until the end of 2026. According to diplomats familiar with the situation, Israel also opposes a full four-year extension. Washington has also expressed doubts, transforming what was anticipated to be a consensus-backed reappointment into a potentially contentious vote in the UN General Assembly.

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Mr. Turk's reappointment for four years deprives the new Secretary-General of the opportunity to make his/her own choice for such an important post for a long period. It is an arbitrary idea given the sensitivity of the human rights architecture and its role in the United Nations in general.

Some diplomats privately question the timing of a full reappointment, suggesting the decision should rest with Guterres' successor. "It's up to the next SG," one diplomat commented. Russia's UN mission in New York stated that a four-year reappointment would "deprive the new Secretary-General of the opportunity to make his/her own choice for such an important post for a long period." The mission added that this view is shared by "many" UN states.

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It's up to the next SG.

Turk, who has served the UN for decades, has played a critical role in speaking out against the erosion of freedoms amid rising autocratic influence. Despite initial assumptions by some critics that he might adopt a more reserved approach, Turk has repeatedly criticized governments, including those of Russia, Israel, and the United States. He has accused Russia of severe human rights violations in Ukraine, allegations Moscow denies.

The vote will take place in the UN General Assembly, where the veto powers held by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council do not apply. Israel's mission and the US State Department had not immediately responded to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Turk's office declined to comment on the reappointment, stating, "I believe the High Commissioner is ready to serve."

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I believe the High Commissioner is ready to serve.