The UN General Assembly renewed Volker Türk’s mandate as high commissioner for human rights for another four years on Friday, despite strong objections from the United States, Russia and Israel. Acting on a proposal by Secretary-General António Guterres, 144 countries voted in favour, 10 opposed and 13 abstained. Türk’s new term will begin on October 12, 2026.

Russia had proposed a shorter extension only until December 31, 2026, but the alternative was rejected by a large margin. A US request to postpone the vote was also not accepted. US ambassador Jeff Bartos, the representative for management and reform, criticized the decision on procedural and policy grounds and alleged that Guterres had rushed the process.

French ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont praised Türk as a “voice of conscience,” saying he had served with firmness and impartiality in his first term. The Austrian lawyer has held the post since October 2022. During his tenure, he has spoken on human rights conditions linked to Ukraine, Gaza, Afghanistan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nicaragua.