UN Rights Chief Warns of 'Strongman' Politicians Ahead of Global Elections
UN human rights chief urges voter vigilance against deceptive politicians in upcoming elections. He highlights global human rights concerns and calls for protection of freedoms worldwide.
As the world prepares for a series of significant elections in 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a cautionary message to voters worldwide. Speaking at the opening of the Human Rights Council's autumn session in Geneva, Türk emphasized the importance of critical thinking and vigilance in the face of political rhetoric.
"I urge voters to ask themselves which of the political platforms or candidates will work for the human rights of everyone. And I urge all voters to be vigilant. Be wary of the shrill voices, the 'strongman' types that throw glitter in our eyes, offering illusory solutions that deny reality."
The High Commissioner's remarks come as several nations, including Georgia, Tunisia, and the United States, prepare for upcoming elections. Türk, who assumed his role in 2022, expressed concern about politicians who exploit electoral periods to target vulnerable groups, citing examples from France, Germany, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.
In his address, Türk highlighted both positive and negative trends in global human rights. He noted progress towards the abolition of the death penalty in many countries, contrasting it with increased executions in Iran and Saudi Arabia. Similarly, he praised the decriminalization of same-sex relations in some regions while condemning new laws penalizing such relationships in Ghana, Indonesia, Iraq, and Uganda.
The High Commissioner also addressed threats to freedom of expression and assembly, pointing to journalist detentions in Azerbaijan, arrests of opposition leaders in Tunisia, and restrictions on civic space in China. These concerns underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the Human Rights Council, established in 2006 to promote and protect human rights worldwide.
As the council begins its five-week session, it will discuss human rights situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. The 47-member body, which rotates its membership annually, plays a crucial role in investigating human rights violations and making recommendations to the UN General Assembly.
The Human Rights Council's work extends beyond these sessions, with mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review examining the human rights records of all UN member states. Additionally, the council's special procedures, including rapporteurs and working groups, contribute to its ongoing efforts to address human rights issues globally.
As the world faces complex challenges, Türk's call for voter vigilance and commitment to human rights principles remains crucial. With the UN Climate Change Conference set for November 2024 in Azerbaijan, the international community continues to grapple with the intersection of human rights, climate change, and global governance.
