Human toll of senseless conflict ‘is incalculable’, says Türk

This article is published in association with United Nations.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk delivered his annual statement on Monday, urging global solidarity and decisive action in the face of mounting challenges to fundamental human rights.

As the world prepares to mark Human Rights Day 2024, Mr. Türk reflected on “a time when human rights are not only violated, but also increasingly instrumentalised.”

He highlighted three critical issues to the international community: the proliferation of armed conflict, the rise of disinformation, and the neglect of long-term security.

Proliferation of armed conflicts

Mr. Türk noted an erosion of respect for international law in the conduct of hostilities, and “the apparent indifference of powerful actors to immense numbers of casualties and suffering.”

He pointed to ongoing crises in Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and Haiti as glaring examples.

The human toll has been devastating over the last 12 months. In Haiti alone, violence has claimed over 5,000 lives, including 184 this past weekend in a macabre gang-instigated massacre.

Mr. Türk also highlighted the use of indiscriminate weapons such as anti-personnel mines and nuclear threats. “We need to stem the flow of arms,” he stressed.

“There should be an all-out effort by States to make it harder – not easier – to use such horrific weapons in the first place,” he emphasised.

The High Commissioner called for an end to militarised approaches to security, urging nations to prioritise mediation, negotiation, and peacebuilding.

The rise of disinformation

Mr. Türk sounded the alarm on the rapid spread of disinformation, which he described as a tool for sowing division, undermining human rights defenders, and distorting reality.

He especially called out “anti-human values,” noting the dangerous proliferation of blaming minorities for depriving people of their economic, social and cultural rights.

“People in leadership positions must stop the ‘othering’ that dehumanises entire communities, fuels hatred and violence, and feeds toxic ideologies and racism, including white supremacism,” he stressed.

The triple planetary crisis

The High Commissioner highlighted the pressing need to address the triple planetary crisis – climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss – alongside global inequality.

Despite legal obligations to prevent foreseeable harm, some nations are scaling back climate commitments, jeopardising people’s long-term security.

Mr. Türk called on States to summon the leadership and political energy required to “tackle the massive, ongoing and worsening catastrophe.”

Nevertheless, he also commended civilian efforts, especially people “calling on their leaders to work for equality, justice and peace, using their voices and their votes.”

Investing in human rights

Mr. Türk called attention to the funding shortfalls plaguing international human rights institutions, which receive less than five per cent of the UN’s regular budget.

He urged States to ensure adequate resources for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), warning that financial constraints undermine critical efforts to protect human dignity.

Concluding his statement, the High Commissioner stated: “For this Human Rights Day, I invite you and all of us to build and support alliances in your own lives, cities, communities, and workplaces to stand in defence of the human rights and dignity of every person.”