On June 18, 2024, during his global update to the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, highlighted critical issues that resonate deeply with QUNO's mission. In both Geneva and New York, QUNO lives into our Quaker values and testimonies by working with the UN to uphold the dignity and worth of every person so that peace can flourish and our shared home can be nurtured. Through informal, off-the-record convening, we engage with people in the UN, multilateral organizations, diplomats, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Our work emphasizes building relationships, trust, and fostering a holistic approach to peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including by exploring the role the UN human rights system can play.

In his update, the High Commissioner spoke about the devastating impact of conflicts, noting, "Destruction of vital infrastructure a daily occurrence. Devastating and reckless. Children shot at. Hospitals bombed. Heavy artillery launched on entire communities." 

These words describe the horrendous situation facing communities in conflicts around the world, including the conflicts in Gaza and Myanmar which have been important areas of focus for QUNO New York over recent months. In our work with diplomats and UN staff, we consistently advocate for peaceful solutions that centre the long-term needs of communities. We understand peace as more than the absence of overt violence or destructive conflict; sustainable peace is fundamentally linked with human rights, social and economic justice, and political participation.  

Türk addressed global inequality, stating, "Globally, inequality has seen the largest increase in three decades. 4.8 billion people are poorer than they were in 2019." QUNO seeks to address systemic inequalities and promote economic justice. We work for fair access to resources and opportunities, and challenge harmful subsidies that perpetuate environmental and social injustices. For instance, our focus  on plastic pollution links sustainable development and human rights by advocating against subsidies for plastic production.

Volker Türk also highlighted significant economic challenges: "Almost half of humanity – some 3.3 billion people – live in countries where governments spend more on servicing their debts than investing in health and education systems." QUNO contributes to the development of trade policies that address urgent environmental and socio-economic problems through our work at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Our advocacy aims to create a better multilateral trading system that supports sustainable and just economic systems.

Recognizing the link between environmental sustainability and human rights, Türk noted, "The adverse effects of climate change are already having massive impacts on the enjoyment of human rights." In our work on Human Impacts of Climate change, we advocate for urgent, effective, equitable, and rights-based climate action. We seek greater support for those least responsible but most affected now, known as ‘Loss and Damage’, and for urgent and healthy transformation of root causes to avert greater suffering and loss of life under existential levels of global warming and related planetary crises. We emphasize the need for accountability for enabling harm and support cooperation in international efforts. 

Addressing the treatment of migrants, Türk warned of the dangers of, "divisive rhetoric and disinformation that cast migrants and refugees as the scapegoats for wider challenges in society, including socio-economic issues." This highlights the critical need for dismantling the dehumanization of migrants. QUNO’s Human Rights and Refugees programme works to protect the rights of all migrants, regardless of migration status, seeks to end border violence, and puts migrants’ expertise and experience at the heart of international forums.

Türk also emphasized the urgent need to address systemic racism and gender inequality: "Systemic racism against people of African descent is perpetuated by systems and structures that are rooted in the legacies of colonialism and enslavement." We echo his call for  QUNO's work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity and justice. We support initiatives to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity in all areas of life, and we welcome the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ work for transformative change to dismantle systemic racism and advance racial justice.

QUNO remains steadfast in its mission to promote peace, justice, human rights, and environmental stewardship. Our privileged access to the UN as an accredited non-governmental organization gives us access to processes within the UN and other related international bodies . As the ethical voice in the room, we use this access judiciously to raise the concerns of those in vulnerable situations.

We echo the High Commissioner’s call to “urgently … find our way back to peace, in line with the UN Charter and international law.”

Together, we can create a world where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all.