At the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, the United Nations condemned the escalation of violence and pro-war propaganda, particularly highlighting the intensification of hostilities in Ukraine as reported by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. During a global update, Türk detailed the severe spike in civilian casualties in Ukraine, marking the highest number since May 2022 due to increased Russian military aggression.

Besides the conflict in Ukraine, Türk expressed deep concern over the continued atrocities against minorities globally and the pervasive impact of online hate speech. He emphasized the essential role of human rights in fostering critical reflection and challenging societal assumptions. "Human rights are meant to challenge our assumptions, identify the blind spots, and encourage self-critical reflection, because no one is perfect," Türk stated.

In response to these crises, the UN revealed plans to expand its efforts through a new phase of the "UN80" alliance, initiated on the 80th anniversary of the UN. This initiative aims to adapt to global challenges by fostering open dialogues with governments worldwide, including those with opposing views, and promoting the importance of human rights through positive campaigns.

To bolster these efforts, the UN plans to collaborate with technology firms and other innovative sectors, including artificial intelligence, to enhance the protection and promotion of human rights. Additionally, the organization is set to introduce new funding models to increase financial support for human rights endeavors.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the "UN80" initiative's role in auditing around 4,000 UN resolutions to maximize impact and implement necessary structural changes. The initiative aims to enhance the organization's responsiveness to global crises and increase accountability to its financiers.

This comprehensive approach marks a significant shift in how the UN plans to address and mitigate human rights abuses worldwide, ensuring more effective responses and greater accountability in the face of escalating global challenges.