UN Human Rights Chief Launches $500 Million Appeal for 2025, Warns of Severe Underfunding
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, issued a $500 million appeal for 2025 on Thursday, warning that underfunding could leave countless individuals vulnerable to rights violations.
Speaking in Geneva, Turk emphasized the critical role his office plays, highlighting its documentation of 15,000 human rights violations globally, its efforts in securing the release of over 3,100 arbitrarily detained individuals, and its support for over 10,000 victims of contemporary slavery and 49,000 survivors of torture.
He pointed to ongoing crises in Syria, Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Haiti, stressing the need for stronger human rights protections, particularly in the digital sphere.
Despite these efforts, Turk lamented severe financial shortfalls, noting that the UN rights office received only $269 million last year—far short of its $500 million target.
He warned that without adequate funding, many vulnerable populations would be left without crucial support, and governments could continue implementing discriminatory policies unchecked. “Lives are at stake if we don’t invest in human rights,” he cautioned, urging governments and the private sector to step up their commitments.
Turk concluded by stressing the importance of human rights in addressing global divisions, fostering peace and security, and ensuring sustainable development. He called for a global commitment to funding human rights work, asserting that without it, millions worldwide would suffer.
