United Nations: Efforts to launch a global coalition for human rights, in an “upside-down world”

He announced that in the coming weeks, a move to launch will be initiated “Global Alliance for Human Rights”He will represent the silent majority, seeking a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.

Türk was speaking at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva, where he updated the Council on the latest global developments, saying: “The world is upside down – we all feel it.”.

He reported that the threat to use force, and its use to resolve conflicts, has become more frequent and normalized, as the number of armed conflicts has almost doubled since 2010, reaching about 60 conflicts. He warned that “Conflict is a wasteland for human rights and the people who live it.”.

He said it was puzzling that political leaders were not taking urgent steps to reverse these trends, adding: “Some of them even attack the institutions designed to protect us, including the United Nations International Court of Justice“The International Criminal Court, this Council and its mechanisms.”.

Ignoring atrocity crimes

The UN official pointed to the flagrant violations of international law the world is witnessing, providing some examples.

Turk said that in Sudan, advanced weapons systems are being used in residential areas, to destroy humanitarian aid convoys and prevent them from reaching hungry children.

He stated that in the occupied Palestinian territory, Israel continues its annexation project in flagrant violation of international law and the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

He warned that “Ignoring atrocity crimes fuels more bloodshed.”He called on countries to defend the universality of human rights and resist sliding into conflicting narratives and historical loyalties.

Yemen, Syria and Lebanon

Turk also touched on the “long-term civil war” in Yemen that led to the destruction of state institutions, severe damage to infrastructure, and the displacement of millions.

He condemned the Houthis’ continued detention and ill-treatment of dozens of United Nations employees, and demanded their immediate release.

He said that “The human rights situation in Syria is still fragile.”with widespread civilian suffering and displacement.

He added that “Achieving transitional justice and accountability is crucial. The political agreement between the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces must be implemented transparently and fully.”.

He noted that his office documented the killing of 137 civilians in Lebanon in Israeli raids since the ceasefire in November 2024. He said: “Any renewal of large-scale hostilities would have dire consequences for civilians.”.

Clear procedures

The High Commissioner said that in these various conflicts, clear procedures are needed, which are as follows:

🔹Prohibiting the sale or transfer of weapons where there is a risk of their use in violation of international law.

🔹Putting an end to hate speech and speech that deprives people of their humanity.

🔹Accountability through credible investigations and prosecutions.

🔹Confidence-building measures in the field of human rights, which would contribute to creating a political environment for dialogue and peacebuilding.

The situation in Iran

The UN official spoke about the situation in Iran, which is still ongoing “Metotra” After authorities killed thousands in a “bloody crackdown” in January. He noted that recent days have witnessed a new wave of protests at universities, which confirms the persistence of basic grievances.

He expressed dismay at reports that at least eight people, including two children, had been sentenced to death in connection with the protests.

He also said: “I am deeply concerned about the potential for regional military escalation and its impact on civilians, and I hope that a voice of reason will prevail.”.

Militarization of law enforcement operations

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that “Several countries are moving toward militarizing their law enforcement operations.”.

He gave some examples, including in the United States, where immigration authorities and others used “excessive force” during large-scale operations against immigrants and peaceful demonstrators, shooting and killing many people during these operations.

He reported that in the Sahel region of Africa, human rights defenders and journalists are arbitrarily arrested and detained; Independent media are banned; Political parties are dissolved, as part of a military response to violent extremism.

Restrictions on civil liberties and attacks on minorities

Turk reported that outside election periods, and in all regions, “Governments tighten restrictions on civil liberties”.

He said that authorities in Belarus, Egypt, India, the Russian Federation, Tunisia, Turkey and others continue to pursue civil society activists under anti-terrorism laws.

He urged the authorities in China to stop using vague criminal and administrative provisions related to national security to suppress the peaceful exercise of basic rights, calling for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.

He pointed out that at the global level, “Attacks on free and independent media are of grave concern. Over the past three and a half years, 310 journalists have been killed, and 85% of the perpetrators of these crimes have gone unpunished.”.

Turk pointed out the continued attacks on minorities, in light of some countries retreating from their commitments to prevent and address discrimination.

He also said: “The rise in hate speech against migrants and refugees, including in Europe, Libya and the USA, is a very worrying trend.”.

Increasing threats to the rights of women and girls

The UN official warned of the increasing threats to their rights that women and girls face.

And he said: “Both the Pellico case and the Epstein files show the extent of the exploitation and abuse of women and girls. Does anyone think there aren’t more men like Dominic Pellico or Jeffrey Epstein? Such horrific abuses are facilitated by social systems that silence women and girls, and insulate powerful men from accountability.”.

It is noteworthy that French citizen Dominique Belico was sentenced to 20 years in prison, after being convicted of drugging his wife, raping her, and bringing dozens of men to rape her over a period of more than ten years.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that states must investigate all alleged crimes, protect survivors, and ensure justice without fear or favour.

He pointed out that, more broadly, “Violence against women, including femicide, is a global emergency.”.

Artificial intelligence and power

Turk talked about artificial intelligence, noting that “It is about power, so it is closely linked to human rights.”.

He pointed out that artificial intelligence systems are already helping to support human rights, “But without adequate oversight and accountability, digital technologies violate privacy, undermine democratic processes, and pose serious risks to the safety of our children and our own.”.

He expressed deep concern about “Using artificial intelligence systems in armed conflicts to influence battlefield decisions with deadly consequences.”.

He called for taking two necessary steps regarding artificial intelligence:

🔹Increasing investment in artificial intelligence and disseminating it to serve the public good.

🔹Integrate human rights fundamentally into the design, development and deployment of artificial intelligence.