UN Human Rights Chief urges policy focus as global violations mount on international day

As the globe observes International Human Rights Day today, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly emphasised the need to centralise the cause within public policy.

The day is marked annually to promote dignity, freedom, and equality worldwide.

ACTIVISTS RAISE ALARM ON GLOBAL VIOLATIONS
This year, activists have raised the alarm over severe human rights violations globally. These concerns include:

Unlawful detentions

Media censorship

The use of digital surveillance to track and intimidate critics

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S URGENT APPEAL
High Commissioner Türk is calling on world leaders to respect all human rights, highlighting a concerning rise in:

Inequality

Violence

Exclusion

Disinformation

Türk stressed the vital role of human rights as a solution and a guide:

"We all need to protect the human rights of all, mobilising and inspiring each other, from the courts to the streets to the ballot box. Because human rights also offer solutions. They are our compass in turbulent times, guiding and steadying us through uncertainty. On Human Rights Day and every day, let us stand up for what is essential to us all."