UN General Assembly extends Türk’s term amid reservations, objections

NEW YORK, July 25 (YPA) –  (YPA) The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday evening to extend the term of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk for an additional four years, despite opposition from both Russia and Israel, and a threat by the United States to reassess its funding and participation.

The vote highlighted the growing tensions between the administration of US President Donald Trump and the United Nations, amid Washington’s reduction of funding for several UN agencies and its withdrawal from dozens of the organization’s bodies.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations stress that the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is becoming increasingly important amid the growing influence of authoritarian regimes around the world.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres had nominated Türk for a second term as his current mandate approaches its end in October. Guterres had worked closely with Türk during his tenure as UN chief.

The General Assembly approved Guterres’ nomination with 144 countries voting in favor, 10 against, and 13 abstaining.

The position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in 1993 and plays a central role in monitoring human rights conditions, condemning violations, and addressing the erosion of freedoms around the world.

@E.Y.M