Key facts
- UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk faces opposition from Russia and Israel to a second four-year term.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nominated Turk for reappointment.
- Russia proposed a short extension of Turk's term until December 31.
- Israel opposes a full reappointment, calling Guterres' action a "moral failure."
- The UN General Assembly is scheduled to vote on Turk's reappointment.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk is facing significant opposition from Russia and Israel as he seeks a second four-year term, with a vote scheduled for Friday. While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nominated the Austrian lawyer, Russia has proposed a shorter extension until the end of the year, and Israel has strongly criticized the move. Some countries, including Nicaragua, Argentina, and Paraguay, have also raised objections, transforming what was expected to be a routine reappointment into a contested decision.
Turk has been criticized for his approach to China's treatment of Uyghurs and for his statements regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. Critics, such as former Human Rights Watch head Ken Roth, have called the process a "stealth procedure" to avoid public scrutiny. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that Guterres is following established rules for reappointment, which were set in 1993. Turk's office has indicated he is prepared to serve another term and engage with all states.