8 September 2025 — Global Affairs & Human Rights
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a powerful warning about the increasing normalization of violence and erosion of international norms around the world, calling for urgent global action to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
Speaking at the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Türk condemned what he described as a dangerous trend: the “glorification of violence” and growing political efforts to dismantle the legal safeguards that protect human dignity.
“The Legal Order Is Being Undermined”
Türk warned that the fundamental principles established after World War II to prevent future atrocities are now being openly disregarded. “Rules are being shredded. Pro-war propaganda is rampant. And we are witnessing the rise of governments operating with unchecked personal authority,” he said.
He emphasized that human rights abuses, once exceptional, are increasingly accepted as routine — a development that threatens global peace, accountability, and stability.
A Global Human Rights Crisis
The High Commissioner provided a sobering overview of current human rights challenges around the world:
- Gaza: Widespread civilian casualties and mass destruction have turned the territory into what he called “a graveyard.” He called on countries to halt arms transfers that may be facilitating war crimes.
- Sudan: Civilians in besieged regions like El Fasher remain under constant threat of bombardment and atrocity.
- Myanmar: Four years after the military coup, the population continues to suffer under a collapsing human rights system.
- Ukraine: Civilian infrastructure is under siege amid ongoing drone and missile attacks.
- Afghanistan: Women and girls are being systematically excluded from public life.
- West Africa: Restrictions on civil rights, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, are intensifying.
- China: Meaningful change remains absent for ethnic and religious minorities, including Uyghurs.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Forced deportations are being carried out across South and Central Asia, and new asylum restrictions are emerging in Europe and the U.S.
Democracy and Free Expression Under Pressure
Türk also raised alarms about deteriorating democratic conditions in countries with upcoming elections. He noted that harassment of opposition leaders, censorship of media, and crackdowns on peaceful protests are becoming increasingly common in several African states.
He urged governments to uphold political freedoms and ensure that elections are conducted fairly, freely, and inclusively.
“No One Is Safe When Rights Are Ignored”
The UN rights chief concluded with a strong appeal: “The world is at a turning point. We must not allow violence and repression to become the norm. Human rights are the foundation of peace, equality, and security.”
He stressed the need for countries to recommit to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, strengthen international cooperation, and ensure that all people — regardless of nationality, gender, religion, or status — enjoy the freedoms they are entitled to.
