Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 5, 2026 Human rights
On Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk launched a campaign to raise $400 million by 2026 to address global human rights challenges. He warned that, amid mounting crises, the world cannot afford a human rights crisis.
"The cost of our work is small; the human cost of underinvestment is immeasurable," Türk told government representatives at the campaign's launch.
“In times of conflict and in times of peace, we offer a lifeline to those subjected to violence, a voice to the silenced, and a trusted ally to those who risk everything to defend the rights of others,” he added.
Last year's results
In 2025, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) staff in 87 countries monitored more than 1,300 trials, supported 67,000 torture survivors, documented tens of thousands of violations, and facilitated the release of more than 4,000 people from arbitrary detention.
Türk also emphasized that eliminating inequalities and upholding economic and social rights are essential for peace and stability. In 2025, the Office collaborated with more than 35 governments on aligning economic policies with human rights standards. For example, in Djibouti, OHCHR assisted in conducting a health budget analysis, paying particular attention to the needs of people with disabilities. The Office also shared important research findings on human rights with numerous UN country teams working on sustainable development.
Consequences of funding cuts
As a result funding cuts In 2025, the Office was able to conduct only 5,000 human rights monitoring missions, compared to 11,000 in 2024. The program in Myanmar was cut by more than 60 percent. In Honduras, support for the demilitarization of the prison system, as well as justice and security sector reforms, was reduced. In Chad, support for nearly 600 prisoners held without legal basis had to be cut.
"Our reports provide reliable information on human rights crimes and trends at a time when the truth is obscured by disinformation and censorship. They serve as the basis for discussions in both the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council, and are widely cited by international courts, providing crucial evidence for accountability," the High Commissioner noted.
The liquidity crisis also significantly impacted the functioning of the entire human rights ecosystem. Specifically, 35 planned dialogues between UN human rights treaty bodies and States did not take place. Four of the eight planned country visits by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture were cancelled. UN Special Rapporteurs and the investigative mechanisms of the Human Rights Council were unable to fully carry out their mandates.
The High Commissioner also noted with regret that the Office had lost some 300 staff out of 2,000 and had been forced to close or drastically reduce its presence in 17 countries, ending programmes vital to threatened, vulnerable or marginalized communities – from Colombia and Guinea-Bissau to Tajikistan.
According to Türk, this weakens the concept of "protection through presence," which suggests that the physical presence of human rights officers on the ground deters violations and reduces damage.
Voluntary contributions
In 2025, the Office's approved regular budget was $246 million, but only $191.5 million was received. An additional $500 million in voluntary contributions was requested, of which donors provided only $257.8 million.
The head of the Human Rights Office thanked 113 partners – governments, multilateral donors, and private entities – who contributed to the 2025 budget and helped save and improve lives.
For 2026, the UN General Assembly approved OHCHR's regular budget of $224.3 million, funded by assessed contributions from Member States. This amount is 10 percent lower than in 2025, and uncertainty remains regarding the actual funding the Office will receive.
As part of the 2026 campaign, the Office is requesting an additional $400 million in voluntary contributions.
"Human rights have historically accounted for a very small share of UN expenditures. We need to increase support for this low-cost, high-impact work that helps stabilize communities, build trust in institutions, and sustain peace," the High Commissioner emphasized.
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