April 5, 2026
  • Volker Turk of Austria has been appointed as the next United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
  • United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Turk following approval by the General Assembly.
  • The new High Commissioner is currently coordinating global policy work as an Under-Secretary-General in the UN’s Executive Office.
  • Previously, he was the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UN refugees, UNHCR, in Geneva where he played a key role in the development of the landmark Global Compact on Refugees.
  • Turk will succeed Michelle Bachelet of Chile.

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