Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 25, 2025 Human rights
Since the founding of the United Nations eight decades ago – following a catastrophic world war that claimed the lives of millions – the world has made remarkable progress in achieving freedom, equality, and justice. However, for those living in conflict zones today – from the Middle East to Africa, from Europe to Asia – this is small consolation. We see states attacking others, taking the lives of civilians, and all of this occurs, apparently, in a climate of impunity.
So are we truly living in an era of impunity and witnessing a rollback in human rights? Conor Lennon of the UN News Service posed these and other questions to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who arrived at UN Headquarters in New York to participate in the High-Level Week events.
KL: So, are we seeing a backsliding in human rights protection? One of the UN's primary roles is to expose and publicize human rights violations, which we hear about almost daily. But my question to you is: beyond these revelations, what tangible measures can we take?
FT: To your question about rollbacks, I'll say that history is never linear. Each generation must re-defend and strengthen the human rights system on which the UN is founded. This is crucial. Every day, by monitoring, documenting, and reporting human rights violations around the world, we become the voice of those who suffer these violations. This is my personal, daily experience. When I visit countries like Syria, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, – I see that people have high hopes for the UN system, for the human rights system. They hope that we can respond to their aspirations. Yes, we cannot fulfill all their expectations, but we can voice them on the international stage and raise issues of impunity and accountability. Duterte, the former president of the Philippines—who would have thought he would end up in The Hague? And now he is. So we must build on what we have managed to achieve, even in these extremely difficult times.
KL: Let's talk about giving people a voice. Isn't that important?
FT: Yes, this is significant. Let me give you an example: in Sri Lanka, I visited one of the mass grave sites in the north, in Chemmani. Hundreds of people who had lost relatives were waiting for me there and wanted to know what had happened to them. This suggests that they hoped that the High Commissioner would at least voice their calls for accountability and justice during his meetings with the government. This was a tangible manifestation not only of their hopes but also of their aspirations.
KL: Let's turn to the Human Rights Council. You usually work in Geneva, specifically at this Council. Critics claim that the Council is made up of representatives of countries that violate human rights. Isn't that a contradiction?
FC: We could talk at length about the need to reform the Human Rights Council, and such discussions are truly endless. I hope that member states will recognize the importance of taking a more careful approach to who they elect to the Council. But at the same time, no state is perfect. Even those who claim to fully respect human rights have their own gray areas, and this should also be acknowledged.
No state is perfect. Even those that claim to fully respect human rights have their own gray areas…
Ultimately, however, the Human Rights Council is a vital body that allows us to focus attention on crises around the world, on topics such as human rights, artificial intelligence, and climate change, as well as on numerous country situations where an international response is needed. It is a platform for raising concerns and advocating for solutions.
The Council has established eleven fact-finding mechanisms and commissions of inquiry into various situations—from Venezuela to the occupied Palestinian territories, from Nicaragua to Ukraine, Sudan, and other countries. It thus provides mechanisms for ensuring accountability for events on the ground.
KL: Let's look at it from a historical perspective. Over these eight decades, are we generally moving forward or backward in ensuring human rights for all? Let's look at it from a historical perspective.
FT: We are living in very difficult times, largely due to the financial crisis. But I am deeply inspired by my encounters with young people and human rights defenders around the world. They face challenging circumstances, as they currently lack funding. And yet, their spirit, energy, desire for a better world, and willingness to defend the rights of those subject to violations remain unwavering. This is what gives me hope.
We [the UN] are the moral and legal foundation that unites humanity and brings out the best in it – human dignity, rights and justice.
KL: You also mentioned the problem of distraction. I assume you're referring to the multitude of factors that distract us from the main focus? What does that actually mean, and how does it impact the situation?
FT: If we look at contemporary politics, we often see no real discussion of the serious problems facing the world. Even some speeches at the General Assembly are replete with distracting tactics: climate change denial or dehumanization through negative language about migrants and refugees. What we need is genuine proposals from the leaders of this Organization. After all, the UN is, first and foremost, its member states, and we have every right to expect solutions to the key challenges of our time. We don't need sermons; we need real action to address real problems.
KL: And finally, a difficult question for you: what, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the United Nations?
FC: We [the UN] are the moral and legal foundation that unites humanity, bringing out the best in it – human dignity, rights and justice.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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