Human Rights Under Pressure: A Discussion with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Virtual

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss the state of human rights at this consequential moment in history.

Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, speaks via video call at United Nations headquarters on August 17, 2023.

Nov

John Minchillo / AP

Speakers

Volker Türk
Leslie Vinjamuri

Date and Time

Nov 17: 10:15 - 11:00 am CST

Doors Open: 10:15 am

Location

YouTube

Who Can Attend

For All

REGISTRATION

This event is open to the public.

About This Event

Human rights worldwide are under pressure from escalating conflicts, declines in democracy, rises in authoritarian populism, and persistent inequality. At the same time, the international institutions and frameworks created to support human rights has also come under attack. In this virtual program, join United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri for a candid conversation on the state of human rights around the world and the forces shaping this moment. Through an engaging discussion and interactive exchange, online participants will gain a deeper understanding of the UN’s role in advancing human rights, the responsibilities that governments bear, and the efforts being made to ensure accountability for human rights violations.

About the Speakers

Volker Türk

High Commissioner, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations

Volker Türk is the current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. He took up his official functions as High Commissioner on October 17, 2022. Prior to this, Türk was the Under-Secretary-General for Policy in the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General where he coordinated global policy work.

Leslie Vinjamuri

President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.

Related Content

People walk around the plaza by the Sphere Within Sphere outside the United Nations Headquarters on the first day of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly's High-Level week, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.

Will China Fill the UN Leadership Gap?

ANALYSIS by Raymond C. Kuo

Reports that Xi will forgo addressing the United Nations General Assembly ahead of his meeting with Trump in Washington raise uncomfortable questions about the role of multilateral institutions under great power compacts.

Is International Law Built for Today's Wars?

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Is there any prospect for accountability when major powers ignore international law? Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and legal expert Louise Arbour answers.

A screen shows Rafael Grossi, left, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General and a candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, speaking during an informal dialogue at U.N. headquarters, Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Can the Next Secretary-General Bring the UN Back to Relevance?

ANALYSIS by Suzanne Nossel

The contest to succeed António Guterres is underway. As candidates put forward their visions, the more pressing question is what kind of leader the moment demands.

A hand holds up a protest sign that reads "Right to Live Not Just Some."

Human Rights in Retreat? Kenneth Roth Weighs In

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Human Rights Day arrives as norms fade, and pressures such as inequality and disinformation are rising. Kenneth Roth explains what’s really at stake.