Voters Must Prioritize Human Rights in Elections - UNHRC

COLOMBO (News 1st); Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on voters worldwide to prioritize human rights issues as they participate in elections. With several elections already held and more scheduled for this year, Türk emphasized the importance of considering fundamental human rights when choosing political platforms and candidates.

"With some elections already having taken place, and others still to come this year, I urge all voters to keep in mind the issues that matter most to them. Be it a home, education for the children, their health, job, justice, family, and loved-ones, environment, to be free from violence, tackling corruption, being heard. These are all human rights issues," Türk stated.

He encouraged voters to critically evaluate which political platforms or candidates will genuinely work to uphold human rights for everyone, promote equality of opportunity, and foster economies that provide decent work for decent pay. Türk highlighted the need for political parties to have human rights and solidarity at the core of their vision, rather than undermining these principles.

"I urge voters to ask themselves which of the political platforms, or candidates, will work for the human rights of everyone. Which will promote quality of opportunity and strive to foster economies that offer decent work for decent pay. Which of the political parties have human rights and solidarity as part of their vision, rather than undermining them," he added.

Türk also warned voters to be vigilant against populist rhetoric and strongman tactics that offer illusory solutions and scapegoat certain groups for societal problems. He cautioned that such divisive tactics could eventually target any group within society.

"Be wary of the shrill voices, the strongman types that throw clatter in our eyes offering illusory solutions that deny reality. Know, that when one group is singled out as a scapegoat for society's ills, one day your own might be next," Türk said.