Volker Türk

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights | @UNHumanRights Chief

#StandUp4HumanRights

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Torture is a heinous crime – in war or in peace. It is a fundamental assault on human dignity that shatters lives and fuels cycles of violence. We must stand with survivors and ensure their voices are at the heart of prevention, healing, and justice.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Human Rights are a central component of foreign and security policy. They are part of the toolbox of statecraft; a prism that goes across all aspects of governance.

My remarks to the European Parliament https://t.co/oHSNJbjbnG

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

I call for deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody to be investigated promptly, and those responsible held to account. The lack of transparency around them undermines accountability.

https://t.co/hHZDmUezEr

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Mi más sincera solidaridad con el pueblo de Venezuela, especialmente con los heridos y los familiares de quienes fallecieron a causa de los dos devastadores sismos.

Espero que la fortaleza del pueblo venezolano prevalezca ante esta tragedia.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

My heartfelt solidarity to the people of Venezuela, especially the families of those who lost their lives and those injured in the powerful earthquakes that caused widespread devastation.

I hope the resilience of the Venezuelan people will prevail in the face of this tragedy.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Leaving the Netherlands after meaningful exchanges with partners and thought-provoking discussions on the future of human rights.

Real progress calls for unity and solidarity. I look forward to continuing our work together, including through the Global Alliance for Human Rights.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

My heartfelt solidarity to the people of Venezuela, especially the families of those who lost their lives and those injured in the powerful earthquakes that caused widespread devastation.

I hope the resilience of the Venezuelan people will prevail in the face of this tragedy.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

More women in diplomacy means better diplomacy: a broader vision, more trust, better outcomes. Yet misogyny, violence, and hatred – including online – continue to push women out of public life. This must end. I stand with women who are leading and moving the world forward.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Pleased to meet Prime Minister Rob Jetten @MinPres and deeply grateful for the Netherlands’ strong support for human rights.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Preventing conflict begins with human rights. Through practical solutions that elevate the voices of communities, we can build more inclusive and resilient societies.

@UNPeacebuilding #PeacebuildingWeek

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Demokratie wird nicht vererbt – sie muss jeden Tag neu gestaltet werden.

Wenn politische Entscheidungsträger dafür eintreten, die Menschenrechte aller zu verwirklichen, wächst das Vertrauen, und die Demokratie kann ihr volles Potenzial entfalten.

https://t.co/cNP6Un7yZ0

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Democracy isn’t something we inherit – it’s something we build every day.

When leaders work to fulfil people’s human rights, trust grows, and democracy can reach its full potential.

My thoughts on sparking a democratic revival:
https://t.co/Mok8yPvhkp

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

We are all terrestrials, equal under the stars!

Join our @UNHumanRights campaign against hatred, with @gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett.

Beyond nationality, politics, religion, or ideology, we are #TerrestrialsUnited

https://t.co/vHMXwRU84V

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Forced from home and often struggling to survive—this is the reality for millions of refugees and displaced people.

At a time of shrinking financial support, we cannot look away from those forced to flee. Protecting human rights and standing in solidarity define our humanity.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Today we mark the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Council, where human rights defenders engage directly with governments. The Council helps to shape human rights standards and support States in turning commitments into laws and policies that improve lives. @UN_HRC

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Sexual violence in conflict is one of the most egregious and devastating crimes. New @UN data show documented cases more than doubled between 2024 and 2025. Governments and parties to conflict must end these violations of international law and support survivors to find justice.

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Sudan: all signs point to an imminent offensive on El Obeid in Kordofan. The world cannot allow the atrocities documented in El Fasher and Zamzam IDP camp to be repeated. I urge States with influence to act now to stop this madness.
https://t.co/7y8ruPx6aR

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

No State can tackle Ebola alone. This crisis highlights the need for preparedness, global solidarity, and action based on human rights.

https://t.co/QtFwEgJgcc

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Hatred and lies – online and offline – can sow the seeds of violence, exclusion, and dehumanization. Silence helps them grow. Together, let's call out hate speech and counter its spread through solidarity and partnerships. Let’s choose facts and kindness. #NoToHate

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Almost 30 years since the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty was adopted, it is deeply troubling that landmines continue to kill and injure people, often decades after placement. States must recommit to ending the production, use and transfer of these weapons.
https://t.co/aALMK0QpVz

[Volker Türk @volker_turk]

Human rights are delivering safety, dignity and freedom for millions of people every day – despite serious challenges. In my global update to @UN_HRC, I call on States to put people first and choose dialogue over division.

https://t.co/GCUlBzCcVJ