Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AFP
Published on 2024-01-30 17:15:00
The United Nations rights office has made an appeal for $500 million to fund its operations this year, as it continues to work towards advancing human rights in a world deeply scarred by war. Volker Türk, the UN rights chief, stated that the world is currently facing profound divisions and ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, which are leaving deep scars and creating grievances that could harm the future of entire nations if not addressed with justice.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) currently has 1,962 staff members spread across 91 different countries. Last year, the OHCHR assisted in the release of 13,476 detainees, conducted 3,664 monitoring missions, and contributed to the improvement of laws and policies in 43 countries.
Türk stressed the need for $500 million in funding to significantly enhance the OHCHR’s ability to address some of the most pressing human rights challenges around the world and make a considerable impact on people’s lives. However, last year, member states only contributed $283.2 million in voluntary contributions to the OHCHR, falling short of the $452 million that had been requested. The European Union, the United States, Sweden, Germany, and Norway were the top five donors to the OHCHR.
Türk urged countries to prioritize human rights at the core of governance, giving equal importance to civil and political rights as well as economic, social, and cultural rights. He emphasized the need to put an end to the cycles of injustice and inequality that have persisted in societies for too long.
In conclusion, the UN rights office is in dire need of funding to continue its efforts in promoting human rights and addressing the deep scars left by conflict, and it is essential for nations to come together and prioritize human rights in order to create a more just and equal world.
