The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has urgently appealed for an additional $500 million to tackle escalating human rights challenges across the world in 2025. Speaking to country representatives in Geneva, Turk underscored the vital role of human rights advocacy in a world marked by crises and conflict. The funding would be used to support the UN’s ongoing work, which has been crucial in addressing violations and abuses in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar.
The Pressing Need for Additional Funding to Protect Human Rights
In his address, Turk emphasized the need for increased investment in human rights initiatives, noting that the stakes are high. “Lives are at stake if we don’t invest in human rights,” he said, highlighting the global human rights challenges the UN faces. With rising tensions and a divided global landscape, Turk stressed that human rights must remain a priority for governments worldwide.
For 2025, the UN High Commissioner’s office is requesting $500 million in additional funding on top of its regular budget. The request comes at a time when human rights violations continue to escalate, especially in conflict zones. In 2024 alone, the UN office’s work had a significant impact, but to maintain and expand these efforts, more resources are needed.
Human Rights Monitoring and Advocacy in 2024
Turk’s office has played a critical role in monitoring and documenting human rights violations across the globe. In 2024, the UN human rights office raised alarms about severe human rights abuses in multiple countries. From the ongoing conflict in Gaza to the turmoil in Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar, the office’s advocacy and reporting were key to addressing violations and abuses.
With over 2,000 staff members spread across 92 countries, the UN’s human rights office conducted more than 11,000 monitoring missions in 2024, documenting nearly 1,000 trials. Their efforts led to the release of around 3,145 arbitrarily detained individuals. The office also provided support to more than 10,000 survivors of contemporary forms of slavery and assisted over 49,000 survivors of torture and their families.
The sheer scale of the violations observed and the urgent need for action has made the request for additional funding all the more pressing. Without adequate resources, the office may struggle to continue its vital work.
Challenges in Securing Funding for Human Rights Initiatives
Despite raising concerns about the global human rights situation, Volker Turk’s office has faced challenges in securing the necessary funding. Last year, the office requested $500 million, but received only $269 million—far below the required amount. This was a 4% reduction from 2023’s funding, forcing the office to dip into its reserves to make ends meet.
The gap in funding highlights the increasing difficulty in securing resources for global human rights monitoring. While a number of countries pledged continued support for the UN rights office, the absence of the United States in the funding discussions has raised concerns.
The Role of the United States in Supporting Human Rights Funding
Historically, the United States has been a major contributor to the UN rights office, providing $36 million in voluntary support in 2024. However, recent developments have raised questions about future U.S. involvement. After taking office, President Donald Trump announced a temporary freeze on foreign aid pending a review. This freeze has left the UN rights office uncertain about the continuation of U.S. support in 2025.
As the world’s largest foreign aid donor in dollar terms, the United States’ funding decisions will have a significant impact on the UN’s ability to address global human rights issues. Despite the uncertainty, the UN rights office remains hopeful that the U.S. will continue its support for the essential work of human rights advocacy.
Global Support and Commitment to Human Rights
While some countries have voiced concerns about the future of human rights funding, many have pledged to continue supporting the UN’s mission. The need for human rights protections has never been more urgent, and the international community is increasingly aware of the importance of standing up for human rights in conflict zones and beyond.
The request for additional funds is a direct response to the alarming rise in human rights abuses and the increasing complexity of the crises facing the world. In this context, the support of both traditional and emerging donors is crucial for sustaining the work of the UN’s human rights office in 2025 and beyond.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Global Collaboration
Volker Turk’s appeal underscores the growing recognition of human rights as a critical area of focus in a divided and polarized world. While the challenges ahead are formidable, the continued support of the international community is essential to safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals across the globe.
As the world faces ongoing crises and escalating human rights violations, the UN’s human rights office must remain equipped to address these issues. The call for $500 million in funding is not just about resources; it’s about ensuring the survival of essential human rights protections that save lives and promote global peace.
A Call for Global Action to Protect Human Rights
Volker Turk’s appeal for additional funding in 2025 highlights the vital work of the UN’s human rights office in the face of increasing global challenges. With a pressing need for resources to continue its advocacy and monitoring efforts, the UN rights chief’s request emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in protecting human rights.
As we move forward into 2025, the international community must unite to support the UN’s efforts, ensuring that human rights remain a priority in a world that continues to face complex and evolving challenges.