UN human rights chief wins unprecedented 2nd term despite opposition from US, Israel

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to reappoint Volker Turk as UN Human Rights chief for a second four-year term, despite opposition from the United States, Israel, and Russia. The vote was 144-10 with 13 abstentions, rejecting proposals to delay or shorten his term. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nominated Turk, whose current term expires in October, making him the first human rights chief to serve two full terms. Israel's Foreign Ministry called Guterres's re-proposal a "moral failure" due to Turk's strong criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, where he condemned "mass killing." The US and Russia also voiced concerns, with US Deputy Ambassador Jeff Bartos warning of consequences if the assembly tolerated "procedural overreach, backroom deals and the misuse of UN posts."