Volker Turk

The U.N. human rights chief stated that the resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran is a significant setback for civilians, risking disruptions to essential supplies like food and medicines. The fighting undermines peace efforts and increases regional instability, posing grave human rights risks.

The UN human rights chief warned that renewed hostilities between the US and Iran pose grave risks to civilians and human rights, urging both sides to avoid escalation. The conflict undermines peace efforts and deepens regional instability, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, warned of a human rights catastrophe in Sudan's al-Obeid, North Kordofan, urging global action during an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The UN reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have systematically used rape and sexual slavery as weapons of war since 2023, with 87% of verified incidents attributed to the RSF and allied groups. The OHCHR documented 546 verified cases affecting 838 victims across 16 states, concluding these acts may constitute crimes against humanity.

The UN warns that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) may imminently siege el-Obeid, risking atrocities similar to those in el-Fasher. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk emphasized the danger of repeating past massacres, while a coalition of countries urged de-escalation and adherence to international law.

The UN condemned US sanctions on Cuba for causing increased infant mortality and reduced survival rates for child cancer patients. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that Trump's fuel shipment cuts are depriving Cubans of water, food, and healthcare.

Volker Turk, the UN's high commissioner for human rights, urges the US to lift sanctions on Cuba immediately, citing that children are dying due to an oil blockade.

The UN condemned Russia's intensifying strikes on Ukraine, warning that the escalation risks pushing the war into a dangerous new phase. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN rights chief Volker Turk highlighted a 21 percent rise in civilian casualties in the first four months of 2026.

The UN human rights chief condemned Israel's attacks on Lebanon as 'horrific' following a ceasefire. The conflict involves Iran and Israel, with Lebanon mourning recent raids.