Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 27, 2026 Human rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned that the international order is at a dangerous juncture: conflicts are on the rise and threats to human rights are expanding, from wars and authoritarianism to the climate crisis and uncontrolled technological development. Addressing the 61st session of the Human Rights Council, he stated, "The world has turned upside down—we are all feeling it."
According to him, the struggle for power – over territory, resources and technology – should not become an end in itself.
"If you ask people around the world what they want from their governments, the answers will be the same: peace, security, a decent standard of living. In short, people demand their rights," said the UN's top human rights defender.
The world is becoming more dangerous
Türk noted a worrying trend: since 2010, the number of armed conflicts has almost doubled to around 60, and the scale of attacks on civilians has increased by almost a third.
He emphasized that the use of force is becoming the norm, while political leaders are failing to take the necessary steps to prevent it. At the same time, he said, international institutions—including the UN, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council—are under attack.
Nuclear danger
The High Commissioner expressed particular concern about the lack of restrictions on major nuclear arsenals.
"I am deeply concerned that there are currently no legally binding limits on the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world – those of the Russian Federation and the United States," he said, calling on the countries to conclude a new agreement.
Crises and violations of international law
Turk listed a number of situations that cause serious concern. In Sudan, the conflicting parties are attacking residential areas and humanitarian convoys. The attacks continue. attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure by the Russian Federation, leaving people without heat and water. In the occupied Palestinian territory the Palestinians' right to self-determination is being violatedCivilians in Myanmar, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, and other countries are suffering from violence. And in Yemen, UN and other agency staff remain arbitrarily detained.
The High Commissioner stressed: “Ignoring crimes only fuels further bloodshed.”
Authoritarian tendencies
In many countries, Türk noted, authorities use similar methods, including criminalizing criticism of the government, restricting the media, pressuring civil society, undermining judicial independence, and using women and minorities as scapegoats.
Similar trends are observed in various regions of the world, from the Sahel to Latin America.
The UN's top human rights official, in particular, expressed concern about the situation in Iran following the brutal suppression of protests.
"The authorities of Belarus, Egypt, India, the Russian Federation, Tunisia, Turkey, and other countries continue to persecute civil society activists under anti-terrorism legislation," he added.
Growing hatred and discrimination
Türk warned of rising anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, and hatred of migrants. He also noted ongoing discrimination against indigenous peoples and increasing attacks on LGBTIQ rights defenders.
Of particular concern are the systemic violations of the rights of women and girls.
In Afghanistan, he said, “the system of segregation imposed on women, reminiscent of apartheid – based not on race, but on gender."
He stressed that violence against women is a global emergency.
New threats
Türk also noted that economic systems exacerbate inequality: "Last year, billionaires accumulated enough wealth to eliminate extreme poverty 26 times over."
He expressed concern about the impact of sanctions on the Cuban population.
The climate crisis and technological developments also directly impact human rights.
“I often wonder how future generations will judge our leaders’ actions – or their fatal inaction – on the climate crisis. The International Court of Justice has clearly outlined a legal obligation “We need to act urgently and thoughtfully,” the High Commissioner said.
Speaking about artificial intelligence, Türk noted its enormous potential, as well as the risks associated with it – from increasing inequality to its use for military purposes.
Necessary steps
The High Commissioner stated the need to ban arms supplies in situations where there is a risk of violations of international law, as well as to combat the spread of hate speech.
In closing, he emphasized that human rights are a tool against feelings of powerlessness and announced plans to launch a Global Alliance for Human Rights in the coming weeks to unite efforts for a more just world.
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