Volker Türk

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights | @UNHumanRights Chief

#StandUp4HumanRights

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Trinidad & Tobago: I welcome the landmark judgment declaring the criminalisation of consensual same-sex relations unconstitutional. I hope this will help remove a longstanding source of stigma and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

https://t.co/fd19wD1ICs

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Inspired by today’s exchange with civil society and local officials from the USA. Grateful for their courage, expertise, and unwavering commitment to human rights.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Sport must unite, not exclude or divide. For this, it needs to be governed inclusively and with human rights in mind, at all levels.

As the Global Alliance for Human Rights gathers pace, I invite athletes and others from the world of sport to join us: https://t.co/DtNSggjIIE

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

The responsible regulation of drugs must be first and foremost about people – rooted in evidence and human connection, not punishment. Together, we need to keep human rights, public health, and equal treatment at the forefront of global drug policy.

https://t.co/FkUwDYcKlL

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

The climate crisis is already destroying lives and livelihoods, and the most vulnerable are paying the highest price.

At COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, we need decisions that protect people today, and future generations. More than promises, we owe them action.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

The warm glow of a lit diya🪔is always a beautiful reminder of the power of a little light to cast away darkness, of small efforts to make a positive difference. My warmest wishes for Diwali to all who celebrate this festival around the world.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Nearly half of armed conflicts are linked with the exploitation of natural resources, from rare minerals to timber and water. The effects can last generations, fuelling tensions and driving poverty.
We need peace, for people and our planet.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Sport, like human rights, carries a promise of dignity and equality for all.

As the Youth Olympic Games are underway in Dakar, Senegal, I invite athletes and others from the world of sport to stand up for human rights. Get on the pitch. Play for rights. https://t.co/xZeSIxSi0c

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

At the @IntlCrimCourt today, I talked about defending international justice and holding it in trust for future generations. Attacks against the Court are attacks on justice and the rule of law.

My remarks: https://t.co/wOYTVDFXf7

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

When journalists are silenced, we all lose. On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, and every day, we need to protect those who stand up for us all.
https://t.co/7VV40k15a4

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Yemen: I am devastated by the death of Mohammad el Shami, a Yemeni colleague who was arbitrarily detained by the Houthis for years. I call for an immediate investigation into his death. Mohammad’s family deserves to know the truth. https://t.co/DFxpwqiWwv

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Human rights offer cities a coherent guide that fosters resilience, stability, trust, and prosperity. They are an insurance policy in turbulent times.

On this World Cities Day, I call on mayors and local governments to bring human rights to every street and every community.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Russia: I am deeply concerned and saddened by the announcement that Novaya Gazeta newspaper is being forced to close. This is another devastating blow for independent media in the country.
https://t.co/urhmk3beP6

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

This is the last meeting of @UN leaders to be convened by our extraordinary Secretary-General.

@AntonioGuterres has always been completely committed to an international system that delivers better for the people we serve. I am deeply grateful for his leadership.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Too many of our systems and policies turn health into a commodity and solidarity into a transaction. This vision is wrong – and harmful to all.

At the @UN_HRC Social Forum, I called on States to prioritize cooperation and invest in people’s basic rights: https://t.co/1ZVRAhbrc9

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Earlier today, I met with the media at @UN headquarters in New York, and encouraged them to keep shedding light on human rights crises around the world.

https://t.co/yoBA0iZ2By

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Human rights are concrete, strategic tools to build a social contract and prevent the abuse of power.

Without respect for human rights, no peace agreement will last, and development will never be sustainable.

https://t.co/RI0Wc3inaT

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Israel’s operation in Hebron has forced over 2,000 Palestinians from their homes. Collective punishment is a grave violation of international law, and threats to empty and erase entire neighbourhoods raise serious concerns about ethnic cleansing.
https://t.co/Wcd6t6bswL

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

The idea of all nations coming together to protect people from war and injustice is radical. And it works.

On this @UN Day, let's remember all the lives saved and improved through multilateralism – and all those who still need our support.

Let us not give up on that idea.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

I condemn escalating drone strikes in Sudan, which killed more than 300 people in the first three weeks of October. Strikes on camps for displaced people and healthcare facilities are completely unacceptable and may constitute war crimes.
https://t.co/Q8Wkxpo67U