UN warns of unprecedented deterioration in global human rights

GENEVA, Dec 10 (KUNA) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned on Wednesday of an "unprecedented deterioration in global human rights" amid acute funding shortages for International Human Rights Organization alongside revenues for arms companies are raising fuelled by wars. Speaking at a press conference in Geneva marking Human Rights Day observed annually on 10 December Turk said that revenues of the world's 100 largest arms companies rose to USD 679 billion in 2024 driven by the wars in Gaza Sudan and Ukraine as well as escalating regional tensions. He cited figures of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Turk revealed that his Office is suffering from a financial shortfall of around 90 million dollars which has led to the loss of 300 jobs and the suspension of essential work in several countries. The High Commissioner during his speech also warned that Gaza remains a place of unimaginable suffering despite a decrease in the pace of hostilities. He pointed to continuing attacks including the targeting of civilians approaching the "yellow line." Turk also cautioned that violations in the West Bank have reached "unprecedented levels" with rising attacks by Israeli occupation forces and settlers amid a climate of impunity calling for "intensifying pressure and advocacy not sinking into complacency" in response. Turning to Sudan Turk described the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces as "cruel and senseless violence" warning of the risk of a repeat of the atrocities committed in El-Fasher in Kordofan. He expressed deep concern over the international community's inaction in the face to those atrocities and while thousands of civilian deaths as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan. Turk underscored the need "to redouble efforts to halt hostilities reach a ceasefire and return not only to a peace agreement but to civilian governance." He further stressed the importance of respecting the arms embargo on Sudan recalling the September 2025 report of the UN Fact-Finding Mission which found that all parties and affiliated militias had received weapons ammunition and drones from eight countries in addition to the involvement of at least 16 states in financing manufacturing or facilitating arms transfers to Sudan. On Ukraine Turk said that civilian casualties have risen 24 per cent compared with last year largely due to the use of powerful long-range weapons , use of drones and attacks on energy infrastructure which have caused electricity water and heating outages affecting millions. He stressed the need for all states to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to intensify efforts to achieve peace. (end) imk.gb