Mandate extended by four years: UN Human Rights Commissioner Türk remains in office
UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk will remain in office for another four years. Despite opposition from Russia, Israel and the United States, the UN General Assembly voted by a majority to extend his mandate.
The UN General Assembly voted by a large majority to extend the term of Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk. 144 of the 193 member states voted for the Austrian. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had proposed Türk, whose first mandate ends in October, for a full additional term.
Opposition to the mandate extension came from, among others, Russia, Israel and the United States. Türk has previously criticised both Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip.
Shorter mandate extension rejected
Russia submitted a counter-proposal providing for an extension only until the end of 2026. The Russian UN mission justified this by arguing that a four-year appointment would deprive the future Secretary-General of the opportunity to fill this important post himself. Guterres is leaving office in December. Russia's proposal was not adopted, however.
Türk has held the position since October 2022. His new term begins in October of this year and is scheduled to end in 2030.
