United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk has told the Human Rights Council that the world is going through an age of extremes, characterised by a record number of wars, declining respect for international law, climate disruption and rapidly evolving technology without adequate governance.
Addressing the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 7th, 2026, Türk said there are now more than 60 wars involving at least one State, the highest number recorded since the end of the Second World War.
He raised alarm over the resumption of attacks between the United States and Iran, the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, and the widening conflict in Sudan. He was especially concerned by reports that fully autonomous drones had killed civilians and joined calls for an urgent ban on weapons capable of taking lives without human involvement.
On Gaza, Türk said Israel had killed more than 1,300 Palestinians in daily strikes despite a ceasefire announced almost a year earlier, while continuing to limit humanitarian aid. He condemned proposals for the forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and urged States to stop arms transfers that could be used to violate international law.
He also criticised armed groups affiliated with Hamas for executing and torturing suspected collaborators.
Türk warned of renewed fighting in South Sudan, rising tensions in Yemen, and attacks against civilians in Ethiopia. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, an end to foreign involvement, and a return to inclusive civilian rule.
Looking ahead, he outlined seven priorities for his Office, including exposing economic interests that drive wars, advancing transitional justice, supporting mediation, expanding women’s participation in peace talks, working with grassroots peace movements, using human rights as an early-warning mechanism, and strengthening accountability, including through the International Criminal Court.
He also called for urgent global action on AI safety, warning that advanced systems could pose an existential risk, and urged governments to treat climate action and fairer economic models as human rights imperatives.
“Human rights are carriers of hope. They are a compass in turbulent times, and they offer concrete solutions to our challenges,” Türk said.
