UN High Commissioner Reinforces Role of International Law Amid Rising Global Crises

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk states that international law remains crucial despite escalating violations in global conflicts, citing repression in Iran, drone warfare in Sudan, and regional instability stemming from geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

RFI: Four months after the outbreak of war in the Middle East, the agreement reached between the US and Iran still seems very fragile. Are you concerned that the conflict might flare up again?
VT: It is exactly as you say. It is fragile and unpredictable. My thoughts are particularly with the Iranian people, who are caught between a rock and a hard place. Repression has intensified—mass arrests, executions, and killings have been reported, and these may still be occurring. We must prioritize the protection of vulnerable citizens.

RFI: What was the point of this war? Is the world any safer as a result of this conflict?
VT: The war has disrupted global trade, exemplified by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting economies worldwide, especially developing nations, and harming vulnerable populations. The conflict has also exacerbated instability in Lebanon. Clearly, the world is not safer.

RFI: How do you assess the scale of repression faced by Iranians?
VT: Internet blackouts lasting nearly three months severely hindered communication. However, reports confirm at least 6,000 arrests, with likelihood of higher numbers. Executions have surged, and civic space is now virtually nonexistent. Authorities appear to be exploiting the war to deepen societal repression.

RFI: Has this conflict marked a turning point for international law?
VT: While violations in Iraq, Ukraine, and now the Middle East highlight persistent challenges, international law remains vital as a moral and procedural framework. It functions like traffic laws—disregarding them does not nullify their necessity. Most UN member states continue to uphold legal principles, providing hope for global consensus.

RFI: Can collective action still defend international law?
VT: Yes. Smaller states and multilateral forums demonstrate unwavering support. Major powers’ defiance underscores the need to amplify voices advocating for legal accountability. Public pressure and diplomatic engagement remain tools for holding aggressors accountable.

RFI: Does drone warfare signify a new era of conflict, and should autonomous weapons be banned?
VT: Drone proliferation, including AI-guided systems, exacerbates civilian suffering. In Sudan alone, drones now dominate conflict zones, with human rights violations peaking during rainy seasons when activity typically wanes. An international ban on lethal autonomous weapons is critical, requiring coordinated diplomacy to deter powerful states.

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RFI: Sexual violence in Sudan has been described as systemic. What’s your assessment?
VT: Sexual violence—including rape, gang rape, and sexual slavery—affects thousands, with profound, long-term consequences. I personally met 20 survivors recounting atrocities. Justice must prevail despite cultural barriers. Empowering victims through testimony is essential to dismantling impunity.

RFI: Does the UN have the capacity to address these atrocities?
VT: Beyond documentation, the Office has secured the release of 5,000 wrongfully detained individuals and influenced 140+ policy reforms aligning with human rights standards. While challenges persist, our role as a moral beacon remains indispensable to global justice efforts.
This interview has been adapted from the original version in French on RFI’s Grand invité international programme and lightly edited for clarity.

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