UN Approves Austria’s Volker Türk As New Human Rights Chief
On Thurs., the UN General Assembly approved the appointment of Austrian diplomat Volker Türk as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, replacing former commissioner Michelle Bachelet.
Facts
- On Thurs., the UN General Assembly approved the appointment of Austrian diplomat Volker Türk as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, replacing former commissioner Michelle Bachelet.
- Türk was previously working in UN Sec. General António Guterres' office as under-secretary-general for policy. Bachelet's term ended on Aug. 31.
- Guterres reportedly wrote in a letter that the "secretary-general proposes to appoint Mr. Volker Türk" and, as the International Service for Human Rights stated, like all previous appointments the recommendation was "approved by consensus."
- Türk held a number of positions at the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) throughout his career, which saw him work in Malaysia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kuwait.
- Bachelet's four-year term ended with a highly critical report on China's detention of Uyghurs and minority ethnic groups, which she alleged may constitute crimes against humanity. China has accused the UN rights office of fabrication.
- There were 13 other candidates who were interviewed for the position.
Sources: Al Jazeera, EurActiv, France24, Newsbud, Spectrum, and New York Times.
Narratives
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by New York Times. The UN Human Rights Chief is a challenging post that requires someone armed with vast experience and political stature, and the current position is particularly rife with unique obstacles. Although Türk is experienced in the human rights sector, this is eclipsed by his predecessor's impressive career, as well as the resumes of other candidates. The secretary general appears to have given priority to a trusted confidant, calling attention to his reluctance to take a more robust approach to human rights.
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by UNHCR. While this appointment certainly deviates from the post's track record of high-standing commissioners, Türk is a safe decision for the secretary-general who seemingly prefers quiet dialogue over megaphone diplomacy. The new commissioner brings a wealth of experience in the human rights sector, and his ability to balance political pragmatism and confrontation may be the palate cleanser needed to face the oncoming challenges.
