International Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on 10 December. Just before this, High Commissioner Volker Turk, in his address in Geneva, pointed out that in the current era, human rights are not only being violated, but they are also being used as a tool.
According to him, the international community faces three important challenges. The issues are: the proliferation of armed conflicts, a rise in cases of deliberate disinformation, and a disregard for long-term security. Conduct during violent conflicts undermines respect for international law. Hurts are being inflicted, and powerful parties appear to be indifferent to the large numbers of casualties and suffering. In this sequence, Volker Turk mentioned Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti and other crises. In the last 12 months, a large number of civilians have lost their lives. In Haiti alone, five thousand people have died due to violence. This weekend alone, 184 people have lost their lives in the massacre of criminal groups. High Commissioner Turk said that the use of weapons of mass destruction, including landmines, nuclear threats, targeting people is increasing. “We have to stop the flow of these weapons. needs to be stopped. Countries will have to take every possible step so that the use of these terrible weapons is not easier, but more difficult. He said that the use of militarized methods for security needs to be stopped, and instead of mediation, mutual dialogue and peacebuilding. Efforts will have to be given priority. The head of Human Rights Affairs expressed concern that the cases of deliberate spreading of misinformation are increasing. as a tool to deepen divisions, weaken human rights defenders, and distort reality. He criticized anti-human values that blame minorities for problems, and are being deprived of their economic, social and cultural rights. According to Volker Turk, people in leadership positions need to stop treating other communities as others, which will lead to the destruction of entire communities. They are dehumanized, fuel hatred and violence, and nurture toxic ideologies and racism, including white supremacy. Earth’s Triple Crisis The UN High Commissioner stressed that the Earth’s triple crisis – climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss – needs to be addressed urgently, and global inequality must also be addressed. Volker Turk pointed out that the measures taken to prevent damage Despite legal obligations, some countries are retreating from their climate commitments, increasing risks to long-term security. Against this backdrop, he urged countries to respond to these crises with leadership and political energy, as conditions are deteriorating rapidly.Investment in human rights Volker Turk said that international human rights organizations lack financial resources, which receive less than five percent of the total regular budget of the UN. He urged countries to provide adequate resources to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, saying that financial constraints are weakening efforts to protect human dignity. According to High Commissioner Turk, on this Human Rights Day, his Coalitions must be built and supported in cities, communities, workplaces and lives to protect the human rights and dignity of every person.