On Thursday, the U.N. human rights chief made a significant appeal for $500 million in funding for 2025, emphasizing the critical need to support efforts in investigating human rights abuses globally, from Syria to Sudan. The chief warned that lives are at stake in this urgent call for resources.
The U.N. human rights office is facing ongoing funding shortages. This situation raises concerns among observers about the potential impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid under President Donald Trump. The annual appeal seeks additional funds beyond the contributions from member states’ fees to the U.N., which only cover a small portion of the office’s requirements.
“High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk addressed member states at the U.N. in Geneva, stating that in 2025, significant challenges to human rights are anticipated to persist.”
“There is significant concern that failing to meet funding targets in 2025 could result in individuals facing struggles and potential failures due to a lack of adequate support,” he stated.
He stated that any shortfall would result in an increased number of individuals remaining in illegal detention, permit governments to persist with discriminatory policies, allow violations to go undocumented, and jeopardize the protection of human rights defenders.
“In summary, lives are on the line,” he stated.
The human rights office receives approximately 5% of the standard U.N. budget; however, the bulk of its funding is derived from voluntary contributions prompted by its annual appeal, announced on Thursday.
According to U.N. data, Western states are the most significant contributors, with the United States providing $35 million last year, accounting for approximately 15% of the total donations received in 2024. The European Commission follows closely behind in the rankings. The office managed to secure approximately 50% of the $500 million it aimed for the previous year.
