UN rights chief warns world is becoming “more dangerous” at Human Rights Council

At the 61st regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that “the world really is becoming a more dangerous place”.

Presenting his global update, he said “the threat and use of force to solve disputes is becoming more frequent and normalised”, noting that the number of armed conflicts has nearly doubled since 2010 to around 60 worldwide.

He added that “attacks on civilians are up by almost one-third”, describing conflict zones as a “human rights wasteland”.

Mr Türk also cautioned against undermining institutions designed to uphold international law, including the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

He announced plans to launch a “global alliance for human rights” in 2026, stressing that “people desperately want their human rights”.

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk looks on at the opening of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council at the United Nations office in Geneva on February 23, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
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UN rights chief warns world is becoming “more dangerous” at Human Rights Council
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