UN Rights Chief Warns of Doubling Armed Conflicts Since 2010

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, raised alarms regarding the alarming increase in armed conflicts worldwide, which have nearly doubled since 2010, now totaling around 60. During an update to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Turk emphasized that the frequency of conflicts has become normalized, posing a significant threat to global safety.

He criticized the relentless competition among global powers for control over land and energy resources, which he believes detracts from human rights everywhere. Turk condemned political leaders for failing to take urgent measures to reverse the current trend of escalating violence.

He highlighted the concerning statistic of an average of 10 attacks per day on healthcare facilities, which has triggered global outcry. Turk called for the protection of international humanitarian and human rights laws, warning against the dismantling of institutions designed to ensure safety, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.