Voted to extend Turk's mandate as High Commissioner for Human Rights

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly voted on Friday to extend Volker Turk's mandate as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for another four years, overcoming opposition from the United States (US) and Russia.

The Assembly approved the reappointment of Turk for a second term that will run from October 12 this year to October 11, 2030, thus extending his leadership of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Turk received 144 votes in favor, while ten states voted against and 13 abstained.

Before the vote, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Jeff Bartos urged member states to vote against the proposal to reappoint Turk, Anadolu reports.

"Make no mistake, if this assembly tolerates procedural overreach, backdoor deals, and abuse of the UN's position, there will be consequences. The US will immediately review its engagement, participation, and funding," Bartos said.

Russia's deputy UN envoy Dmitry Chumakov accused Turk and his office of political bias and serving Western geopolitical interests.

He questioned whether Turk meets the standards required for the position under the UN General Assembly resolution governing the appointment of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Chumakov referred to a General Assembly resolution stating that the High Commissioner for Human Rights should be a person of “high moral standing and personal integrity,” with the expertise and understanding necessary to perform the function in an impartial, objective, non-selective and effective manner.

"Does Mr. Turk possess these qualities? This is a rhetorical question," Chumakov said.

He added that they regretfully note "the political bias of both the High Commissioner himself and the office he heads."