The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday to approve a four-year mandate extension for UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, beginning October 12, 2026. The renewal, proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, passed with 144 votes in favour, 10 against, and 13 abstentions.
The assembly approved the extension despite warnings and opposition from the United States, Russia, and Israel. Ahead of the vote, the U.S. threatened to reassess its funding and engagement with the office, while Turk has established a record as an outspoken critic.
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