“The solutions to today’s endless wars, to the climate crisis, to our troubled relationship with technology, lie in more respect for human rights, not less.”

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk was speaking at the official launch of UN Human Rights’ 2025 Annual Appeal in Geneva, Switzerland, in which he asked for US$500 million to address a multitude of crises that risk reversing decades of progress and threaten safety and human rights.

“Despite these challenges, there is hope. Investing in human dignity and human rights helps build more resilient societies,” Türk said, adding that human rights are a low-cost, high-impact investment to mobilize people for peace, security, and sustainable development.

“Tangible progress requires that we break free from the cycle of global crises by investing in human rights. This investment constitutes both a moral obligation and a strategic imperative that can catalyse transformative change.”

The Office received US$ 270.1 million in voluntary contributions in 2024, down from US$ 281.5 million in 2023, adding to the shortfall in funding needed to provide human rights solutions. Voluntary contributions from Member States and other donors represent around 60 per cent of UN Human Rights’ budget.

Türk highlighted that funding for human rights represents less than five per cent of the total regular budget of the United Nations and that the UN liquidity crisis has had significant consequences on UN Human Rights.

At a time of intense global turmoil and rising threats to human rights in many regions, investing in human rights requires a tiny fraction of global resources, but delivers immense benefits for everyone, Türk said.

In 2024, UN Human Rights continued its work to protect human rights for everyone, everywhere. Despite challenges and hardships, 2,046 staff members working in 91 countries and at headquarters made significant achievements to promote civil, political, cultural, economic and social rights.

Some highlights:

• UN Human Rights undertook some 11,000 human rights monitoring missions and monitored close to 1,000 trials.
• The Office supported more than 49,000 survivors of torture and their families, and more than 10,000 survivors of slavery.
• Through advocacy, the Office supported an estimated 22 countries in significantly improving their legislation or policies, in line with international human rights standards.
• Advocacy of the UN Human Rights Office contributed to the release of some 3,145 arbitrarily detained people.
• The Innovation and Analytics Hub was launched to strengthen early warning systems to identify root causes of conflict and alert partners to potential humanitarian crises.

Türk said the Office will continue to count on support from the greatest possible range of funding partners, including Member States, philanthropic foundations, and the corporate sector.

“With adequate investment, my Office will be able to build and maintain our presence in the field, enhance our support to national institutions, improve our technical engagement with Member States, and bolster our response in crises,” Türk said, adding that UN Human Rights is committed to enhancing efficiency, promoting accountability across the board, and investing in innovation.

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From ongoing crises to emerging peace, UN Human Rights stands firm and works tirelessly in defending human rights globally. Human rights belong to all of us and everyone has the power to make a difference. Your support can help us reach more people at risk and under threat. Join us in defending rights, protecting lives and upholding dignity for all.