The extension of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk's term has sparked diplomatic tension between France and the US. Following the renewal of Türk's mandate for another four years, France's UN mission in Geneva posted a social media message targeting the US.
The post said, "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. It is no longer. Today, it stands isolated alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali and Russia. And the world is no longer listening," adding the hashtag "#AmericaAlone."
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz responded on the same platform, criticizing France's stance. Waltz said, "France is trying to distract from its shameful vote that indulges the worst human rights violators," and claimed that France voted for "someone who shows closeness to the world's greatest oppressors."
In a vote at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Volker Türk's term was extended from October 12, 2026, to October 11, 2030, with 144 votes in favor, 10 against and 13 abstentions. The US requested a postponement of the vote, but the request was rejected by member states.
Speaking before the vote, US Ambassador for UN Management and Reform Jeff Bartos sharply criticized Türk. Bartos said, "Mr. Türk has brought the system to its deathbed. If you reappoint Volker Türk for four more years, this system will breathe its last."
Bartos argued that Türk disproportionately condemns democracies while failing to adequately respond to violations by authoritarian governments. Noting that criticism of Israel far exceeds that of other countries, Bartos claimed that Türk remained silent for 12 days in the face of a wave of violence in Iran but quickly condemned the US military operation against Iran.
France's UN Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont offered a completely opposite assessment. Bonnafont said Türk demonstrated "rigor and impartiality" and was "a voice of conscience that confronts states with facts and responsibilities."
The Geneva-based watchdog UN Watch published an analysis claiming that Türk criticized the US more than China, North Korea, Cuba, Saudi Arabia and Qatar combined. The organization asserted that in statements made on his own initiative, Türk had no criticism of Cuba, North Korea and some other authoritarian countries.
A US official close to the matter said Washington was surprised by the French public attack, which they described as "arrogant." The same official stressed that the vote was rushed and that Türk's current term runs until October.
