UN Human Rights Office Faces Unprecedented Funding Crisis

The UN human rights office is grappling with a $90 million funding gap, leading to the elimination of 300 positions and significant impacts on essential operations in various countries. Major donors have slashed contributions, placing the office in survival mode as it struggles to meet growing global needs.

The UN human rights office is contending with a significant $90 million funding shortfall, forcing staff reductions amounting to 15% of its workforce this year, said Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Affected by reduced contributions from major donors like Britain, Finland, France, and the United States, the office is operating in 'survival mode,' Turk revealed. Despite an approved budget of $246 million, it received $67 million less, and appeals for extra voluntary funding were only half met.

The deficit has led to substantial cuts in countries such as Colombia, Congo, Myanmar, and Tunisia. The rights office's financial strain mirrors challenges faced by other UN entities like WHO and the UN refugee agency, exacerbated by unpaid donor dues and decreased foreign aid contributions.

(With inputs from agencies.)