UN human rights chief Volker Türk reelected for second term

Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, was reelected to a second four-year term on July 24, 2026, despite significant opposition from the United States, Israel, and several other nations. The vote by the UN General Assembly saw 144 countries in favor, 10 opposed, and 13 abstentions. If he completes this term, Türk will become the first person to serve two full terms since the position was established in 1993. His current term was set to expire on October 11, 2026.

The Austrian lawyer’s reappointment followed a process initiated by Secretary-General António Guterres, who sent letters to UN regional groups earlier in July informing them of his intention to renominate Türk. A UN spokesman stated that Guterres followed the rules and his authority, conducting consultations with member states beforehand. The vote was held without public discussion after private negotiations.

The United States and Israel were vocal critics of both Türk and the process. A U.S. State Department statement called the expedited vote another example of the UN's inherent corruption and incompetence, accusing Türk of turning a blind eye to real atrocities and pursuing a radical...