New York: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that human rights themselves are not in crisis, but rather the crisis lies in their application, in addition to the absence of firm political leadership that ensures respect for the rights of all. According to the UN Daily News Bulletin, a copy of which we received this morning, Friday.
Türk cited - in an exclusive interview with UN News - the escalation of conflicts, the shrinking space for civil action, and the increasing authoritarian tendencies in some countries that violate the inalienable rights of their citizens. He stressed that the world needs the exact opposite, through more openness and accountability.
The UN Commissioner stressed the crucial role played by human rights mechanisms - including the Human Rights Council and special rapporteurs as well as the UN Human Rights Office - in ensuring that perpetrators of violations and abuses are held accountable.
Volker Türk also expressed his deep concern about the tendency towards escalation, as is the case in the Middle East, stressing the need to take action to restore lasting peace. He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages.