Published on: 2026-06-13
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Despite the growth in welfare and technological progress, inequality, discrimination, and armed conflicts are intensifying worldwide. Against this backdrop, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) continues to play a key role in protecting the most vulnerable population groups. This is stated in the new edition of the Office’s annual report.
As noted by UVKPCH, public discussions are increasingly characterizedpolarization, language of hatred, racism, and misogyny, then long-term global challenges – from the climate crisis to the rapid development of new technologies – are often relegated to the background.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, under these conditions human rights remain not only a moral guide, but also a practical tool for change.
“The report shows numerous specific ways by which we reach out to people subjected to persecution, amplify the voices of those who are being silenced, and support those who risk everything to defend the rights of others,” Tyurk said.
He added that the UN Human Rights Office has activated reforms aiming to get closer to people, whose interests it serves, and to respond more effectively to their needs. These achievements were made under the conditions of a major financial crisis that affected the UN.
Protection of people in crisis conditions
During 2025, the department’s employees conducted more than 5,000 monitoring missions and observed over 1,300 court cases worldwide.
Tens of thousands of human rights violations have been documented, cases of discrimination identified in more than 100 countries, and assistance provided for the release of over 4,900 people detained under arbitrary arrest.
In addition, support was received by about 67 thousand victims of torture and modern forms of slavery.
Special attention in the report is given to work in conditions of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises. From the Democratic Republic of Congo to the occupied Palestinian territory, from Myanmar to Sudan and Ukraine, ICC staff documented cases of death and injury of civilians, investigated violations of international law, and collected evidence that may contribute in the future to holding perpetrators accountable.
In the Gaza Strip, about 1.7 million people have received protection services under a humanitarian program coordinated by the Administration. In Haiti, more than 6,500 victims of violence have gained access to medical care, psychological support, and shelter. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than a thousand survivors have been able to advance their cases through the mechanisms of justice.
Human Rights and Development
The report emphasizes that the work of the Administration is not limited to responding to crises. In 2025, UN human rights experts collaborated with more than 35 governments within the framework of the “Human Rights Economy” initiative, whose goal is to make economic policy more just and oriented towards the interests of the entire population.
UNFPA also provided support to country teams of the UN, helping to integrate the principles of equality, participation, and accountability into national development strategies.
As one of the examples, Zimbabwe is cited in the report, where a new National Development Strategy for 2026–2030 was prepared with the support of the UN, taking into account the Sustainable Development Goals and international human rights standards.
Responsibility matters
One of the key conclusions of the report is the importance of accountability mechanisms. Management emphasizes that documenting violations and supporting victims help not only to draw attention to abuses but also to encourage states to fulfill their obligations.
Separate mention is made of the work of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, whose materials are used by international judicial bodies, including the European Court of Human Rights.
Non-cash funds
Despite the results achieved, the authors of the report warn of a serious funding crisis. According to Tyurk, the growing needs for human rights activities are accompanied by a reduction in resources, which forces UVKPCH to operate effectively in survival mode.
Reducing funding means fewer monitoring missions, fewer investigations of violations, and fewer opportunities to prevent abuses before they escalate into large-scale crises.
In 2025, partners provided the Management with about 262 million dollars. However, in 2026, a funding deficit of approximately 50 million dollars is expected compared to the previous year.
For the continuation of work on the protection of civil, political, economic, social, cultural and ecological rights worldwide, management requiresabout 400 million dollars of voluntary contributions.
A reason for hope
Despite numerous challenges, UVKPCH considers the report primarily a story about people – those who seek justice, defend their rights, and help others even in the most difficult circumstances.
“Every day, countless manifestations of kindness and courage, solidarity and mutual support in the movement for peace, human rights, and human dignity quietly change people’s lives for the better,” emphasized the High Commissioner.
According to him, it is precisely such examples that become a counterbalance to division and cruelty and do not allow the world to become accustomed to injustice.
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