UN rights chief warns because of the shrinking civic space in Hungary, Georgia, El Salvador
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday compared the rights of the Hungarian civil society to the El Salvador. In El Salvador, the presidency of Nayib Bukele enjoys significant popular support and has implemented strong measures to combat crime. However, his critics argue that some of his actions have undermined democratic institutions and checks and balances.
Shrinking civic space in Hungary, says the UN rights chief
According to the Turkish Anadolu News Agency, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday voiced deep concern over growing repression around the world. He warned that civic space is shrinking under new laws targeting civil society and independent media in countries such as Georgia, El Salvador, and Hungary. In India-administered Kashmir, he condemned the recent attack near Pahalgam and called on both India and Pakistan to uphold the ceasefire and restore water-sharing arrangements. “In parts of the Russian Federation and the United States, there are severe restrictions on women’s reproductive rights,” he noted, calling for the global implementation of gender quotas in politics.
Concerns over escalating Israel-Iran conflict
He also expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran, calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy. “The military escalation between Israel and Iran is deeply worrying,” Türk said as he presented his annual report to the 59th Human Rights Council in Geneva. He urged all parties to engage in “urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward.”
The UN rights chief issued his starkest criticism toward the suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza by Israel, saying: “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.” Türk accused Israel of “weaponizing food and blocking life-saving aid,” and called for “immediate, impartial investigations into deadly attacks on desperate civilians trying to reach food distribution centers.”
Palestinians in danger
He expressed alarm at the “disturbing, dehumanizing rhetoric from senior Israeli government officials,” warning that such language is “reminiscent of the gravest of crimes.” He also criticized Israel’s restrictions on press access in Gaza, stating that its refusal “to allow international journalists to report from Gaza has helped its armed forces and Hamas to avoid transparency and accountability.” Calling for urgent action, he said: “All those with influence must exert maximum pressure on Israel and (the Palestinian group Hamas) to put an end to this unbearable suffering.”