The United Nations human rights chief has called for greater support for his office as he seeks to expand its work by establishing a first-time presence in the world’s two most populous countries, India and China, whose rights records are drawing more scrutiny.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), established after World War II and earlier known as the Commission on Human Rights, is present in 95 countries and its leader plays a key role in calling out suspected abusers as well as working with countries in question to bring about change.
Volker Turk, who took over as high commissioner in late 2022, used his opening speech to the Council on Monday to urge greater cooperation and singled out states such as Syria, Iran, Israel and Russia that should do more.
Turk voiced particular concern about attacks against people who cooperate with the UN and try to sound the alarm about rights abuses in their countries.
