Volker Türk has been appointed as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, taking over the reins from Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. The Austrian diplomat, lawyer, and human rights expert brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights around the world.
With over 25 years of experience in the field, Türk has worked tirelessly to defend and promote human rights, both internationally and within his home country. His dedication to this cause has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a champion of human rights, making him a perfect fit for his new role as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Türk began his career in human rights as a lawyer and researcher at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights in Vienna. He then went on to work at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for 13 years, serving in various positions in different countries, including Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hungary. During his time at UNHCR, Türk played a crucial role in providing legal and policy advice on refugee and migration issues, as well as leading the organization’s response to several humanitarian crises.
In 2007, Türk joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the Director of the Division of International Protection. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing UNDP’s global work on human rights, rule of law, and governance. He also served as the Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, where he worked closely with governments and civil society organizations to advance human rights and democracy in the region.
Throughout his career, Türk has been a staunch advocate for the rights of refugees, migrants, and stateless persons, as well as other marginalized and vulnerable groups. His expertise in these areas has earned him recognition and respect from his peers and colleagues in the human rights community.
As the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Türk’s main role will be to lead the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its efforts to promote and protect human rights around the world. This includes providing support and guidance to countries in implementing their human rights obligations, monitoring and reporting on human rights situations, and advocating for the rights of individuals and groups who are at risk of human rights violations.
Türk’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the world continues to grapple with numerous human rights challenges, including armed conflicts, discrimination, and political repression. In his first official statement as High Commissioner, Türk highlighted the importance of addressing these issues and stressed the need for strong leadership and cooperation to uphold and promote human rights for all.
In his new role, Türk will also be responsible for working closely with governments, civil society organizations, and other UN agencies to advance human rights globally. His extensive experience in diplomacy and his strong interpersonal skills make him well-suited for this task. He has a proven track record of building partnerships and engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Türk’s appointment has been widely welcomed by the international community, with many expressing confidence in his ability to lead the OHCHR and make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. His deep understanding of human rights issues and his unwavering commitment to the cause make him the ideal candidate to take on this important role.
In conclusion, the appointment of Volker Türk as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is a testament to his outstanding qualifications and his unwavering dedication to promoting and protecting human rights. His leadership and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen the work of OHCHR and contribute to the advancement of human rights around the world. We wish him all the best in his new role and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make in the years to come.
