‘Human rights defenders are key to conflict resolution,’ says Türk
13 January 2025 – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today called on the international community to step up its support for human rights defenders, saying they are “essential to resolving conflicts and building lasting peace.”
In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council, Türk said that human rights defenders play a vital role in protecting the rights of those most vulnerable, including women, children, minorities, and indigenous peoples.
“They are also essential for holding governments accountable to their human rights obligations,” he said. “By speaking out against injustice, discrimination, and oppression, human rights defenders help to create a more just and equitable world.”
Türk praised the courage and resilience of human rights defenders working in conflict zones around the world. He said that despite the risks they face, they continue to work tirelessly to protect the rights of others.
“We must do everything we can to support human rights defenders and to ensure that they can carry out their work without fear of reprisal,” he said.
Türk called on the international community to provide financial and technical support to human rights defenders. He also called for States to adopt laws and policies that protect human rights defenders from violence, intimidation, and detention.
“Human rights defenders are essential for the realization of all human rights,” he said. “We must stand with them and support them in their vital work.”
The UN Human Rights Council is holding its 52nd session in Geneva from 27 February to 17 March. The Council is composed of 47 members, who are elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.
The Council’s mandate is to promote and protect human rights around the world. It does this by reviewing human rights situations in different countries, adopting resolutions on human rights issues, and providing technical assistance to States.
The Council’s work is essential to ensuring that human rights are respected and protected for all. It provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation between States, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
The Council’s 52nd session will focus on a wide range of human rights issues, including the rights of migrants, the rights of women, and the rights of indigenous peoples. The Council will also review the human rights situation in several countries, including Myanmar, Syria, and Venezuela.
‘Human rights defenders are key to conflict resolution,’ says Türk
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