GENEVA, 20 Sept. - (ANA) - The protection of human rights is a core founding principle of the UN, but a key part of this mission is on the verge of collapse because of funding cuts, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council on Thursday.

 

“Today, I am very concerned that the entire human rights treaty body system is at risk of crumbling,” Mr. Türk said.

 

He cited funding cuts necessitating staff reductions, which has increased delays in processing requests for help, as well as the declining participation of Member States in reporting alleged violations.

 

Ten treaty body committees are based in Geneva, made up of independent experts who assess countries’ progress in implementing international accords or conventions, including on the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of children’s rights.

 

This is not the first time the High Commissioner has warned about a serious lack of funding for human rights work.

 

His appeal to Member States to fulfill their international obligations comes ahead of the publication of a report on the treaty body system by UN Secretary-General António Guterres next week during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week.  - (ANA) - 

 

 

AB/ANA/20 September 2026 - - -