UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk launched a $400 million appeal on Thursday in Geneva, as his office (OHCHR) continues to operate "in survival mode".
He warned Member States that with crises mounting, the world cannot afford a human rights system in crisis.
"The cost of our work is low; the human cost of underinvestment is immeasurable," he said.
"In times of conflict and in times of peace, we are a lifeline for the abused, a megaphone for the silenced, a steadfast ally to those who risk everything to defend the rights of others."
Documenting violations, supporting survivors
Last year, UN human rights staff in 87 countries observed more than 1,300 trials, supported 67,000 survivors of torture, documented tens of thousands of human rights violations, and contributed to the release of more than 4,000 people from arbitrary detention.
They also documented civilian casualties and informed humanitarian responses through risk analysis and early warning in 21 armed conflicts around the world.
For example, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine ( HRMMU ) is the only organization that has maintained a comprehensive record of civilian casualties since Russia first invaded the country in 2014.
"In Sudan, we are providing vital support to survivors of sexual violence and other horrific atrocities, paving the way for justice and accountability," he said.
Aligning economic policies with human rights
The High Commissioner also stressed that addressing inequalities and respecting economic and social rights are vital to peace and stability.
"Human rights make economies work for everyone, rather than deepening exclusion and breeding instability," he said.
His office worked with more than 35 governments in 2025, helping them to align all economic policies with human rights. He cited the example of Djibouti, where staff helped conduct a human rights analysis of the health budget, with a focus on people with disabilities.
'Delivering under strain'
Mr. Türk thanked the 113 funding partners - including governments, multilateral donors and private entities - who contributed to OHCHR 's 2025 budget.
"But at the same time, I have to say - and you know it from our previous encounters - that we are currently in survival mode, we are delivering under strain," he said.
He outlined several consequences of reduced funding. For example, the Office reduced presence in 17 countries, wiping out programmes critical for endangered, threatened, or marginalised communities such as Indigenous People. Roughly 300 staff out of 2,000 were laid off.
"At a time when truth is being eroded by disinformation and censorship, we had to curtail our support for its guardians - journalists and human rights defenders. Less support for civic space means more surveillance and more repression."
'Ambitious, agile and creative'
OHCHR "will need to be even more ambitious, agile, and creative" in 2026, he said.
The UN General Assembly has approved a regular budget of $224.3 million, which is based on assessed contributions from Member States. This amount is 10 per cent lower than in 2025.
Through the 2026 appeal, OHCHR is requesting an additional $400 million in voluntary contributions.
"Historically, human rights account for an extremely small portion of all UN spending. We need to step up support for this low-cost, high-impact work that helps stabilise communities, builds trust in institutions, and supports lasting peace," said Mr. Türk.
"And we need more unearmarked and timely contributions so we can respond quickly, as human rights cannot wait."
