UN Rights Chief Urges Urgent $500 Million Fund to Protect Global Human Rights

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has appealed for $500 million in funding for 2025 to support global human rights investigations, warning that lives are at risk if funding targets are not met.

Speaking at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Türk emphasized the ongoing human rights crises worldwide, including in Syria and Sudan, and urged nations to step up their contributions. He warned that without adequate funding, people would remain in illegal detention, governments could continue discriminatory policies unchecked, and human rights violations might go undocumented.

The UN human rights office faces chronic financial shortfalls, a situation that could worsen due to potential US foreign aid cuts under President Donald Trump. The office receives only about 5% of the regular UN budget, with the bulk of its funding relying on voluntary contributions.

In 2024, the United States was the largest donor, contributing $35 million—about 15% of the total funds received—followed by the European Commission. However, the office secured only half of the $500 million it sought last year, raising concerns about future funding gaps.

Türk stressed that failing to meet financial targets in 2025 could jeopardize support for human rights defenders and lead to increased violations worldwide.