UN rights chief Turk wins second term despite US and Israeli opposition
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has been re-elected for a second four-year term, becoming the first person to hold the post for two full terms. The vote passed 144-10 despite opposition from the United States, Israel, and several other nations due to his vocal criticism of Israeli military actions.
Why it matters
Turk's reappointment highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions within the UN regarding human rights oversight and the international response to the conflict in Gaza.
Austrian lawyer Volker Turk set to become first UN rights chief to complete two four-year terms since post was created.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Volker Turk’s reappointment as UN human rights chief has angered the US and Israel [John Phillips/Getty Images for SXSW London] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026 Volkur Turk, the outspoken United Nations human rights chief who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and across the wider region, has won a vote to serve a second term in his role.
UN member states voted 144-10, with 13 abstentions, on Friday to keep Turk in his post as UN human rights chief. His term was set to expire on October 11, but he will now serve for an additional four years.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in