Volker Türk, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered a Global Update to the Human Rights Council on September 9, 2024. Notably, he urged States to advance negotiations on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity.
The High Commissioner’s Global Update was a reflection on the state of human rights today, including setbacks and progress at the national and global levels. The High Commissioner expressed concerns throughout his statement over increasing violence, intolerance, and perceptions of impunity around the world. In the wake of these developments, he welcomed efforts to integrate human rights and fill gaps in existing structures. He noted that a “clear and comprehensive normative framework”—as embodied in the Convention—is “key” to maximizing accountability for perpetrators and ensuring justice for victims.
His refrain was clear: “Human rights are our mainstay against unbridled power.”
The High Commissioner’s support for the Convention comes at a critical time, as the General Assembly will decide whether to move forward with the Convention in Fall 2024.
The High Commissioner’s full statement is available here and can be watched here.