UN rights chief Turk faces opposition to new term

United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Türk, an outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's conduct in Gaza, faces opposition from both countries to a second four-year term ahead of a vote on Friday. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed Turk for another term until October 2030, but Russia has submitted a counter-proposal to extend his term by just over two months until the end of 2026. Israel also opposes a four-year extension, and the United States has raised doubts. The vote will take place in the UN General Assembly, where no veto applies. Turk enjoys strong backing from European states, many Latin American ones, and the African Union has no objection. No other candidates are known.