Implications of the UN80 Initiative and the UN Budget Crisis on the UN Human Rights Architecture
In light of recent developments surrounding the UN80 Initiative put forward by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the H.E. Mr. Jürg Lauber, President of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), invited Ms. Tatyana VALOVAYA, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, and Mr. Volker TÜRK, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to speak and exchange views with UNHRC members and observers on the impact of the UN80 Initiative on the UN human rights architecture, particularly on the UNHRC and the Geneva human rights ecosystem.
The informal conversation shed light on the the conjuncture of the UN80 Initiative, the UN draft budget and the liquidity crisis, and their implications for the UN human rights architecture. Contrary to common belief, the UN80 Intiative is not a result of the ongoing UN finacial crisis. Revolving around three main workstreams, the UN80 Intiative aims at making the United Nations stronger and more fit for purpose, as well as implementing the Pact for the Future.
The enriching interactive dialogue with UNHRC member and observer States allowed to better seize the crucial historical juncture at which this opportunity for effective reform comes, including a lifetime occasion for a comprehensive restructuring of the Treaty Body system with a view to restoring its ability to promptly reply to the increasing number of requests filed by rightsholders from across the world.
Beyond serious concerns over potential budgetary and/or liquidity constraints in 2026, it clearly emerged from many country delegations a genuine political will to reinforce the UN human rights pillar and to be active players in the shaping of a stronger and more efficient United Nations. Noteworthy is also Member States’ willingness to embark on joint efforts with their respective counterparts in the UN Headquarters to bridge the Geneva-New York divide.
Discover our report to meanigfully participate in the conversation: UNHRC Informal Conversation with the Director-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights
