UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has issued a $400 million voluntary funding appeal for 2026, amid a deteriorating global context marked by multiplying conflicts, humanitarian crises, and democratic backsliding. From Ukraine to Sudan, including Haiti and Gaza, the demand for investigations, civilian protection, and state support continues to surge.
The appeal comes as the UN human rights system faces mounting budgetary pressure, worsened by funding cuts — and in some cases withdrawals — from key donors, notably the United States across several human rights mechanisms. Historically the largest contributor, Washington has shifted priorities, weakening the Office’s operational capacity.
The requested $400M aims to sustain monitoring missions, document violations, support victims, and preserve a core pillar of multilateral governance at a time when the international order is increasingly under strain.
