Funding Cuts Push UN Rights Office to Survival Mode

The UN human rights office warns of “survival mode” as funding shortfalls force reductions in global monitoring operations.

The United Nations’ human rights office is struggling to stay afloat after severe funding cuts, with its chief warning the agency has been forced into “survival mode.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told diplomats in Geneva that his office needs $400 million this year to sustain operations, following reductions in humanitarian spending by major donors.

Türk revealed that budget cuts last year led to reduced operations in 17 countries, including Colombia, Myanmar and Chad. “These cuts and reductions untie the hands of perpetrators everywhere, leaving them free to act as they wish,” he cautioned. He added, “With crises increasing, we cannot afford a human rights system in crisis.”

The United States, once the largest voluntary donor under President Joe Biden with $36 million in 2024, halted contributions in 2025 under President Donald Trump. Trump has criticized the UN, saying it has “failed to meet expectations,” and oversaw US withdrawals from agencies including the World Health Organization and UNESCO.

Türk expressed gratitude to the office’s 113 funding partners but admitted the agency was under severe strain. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned member states of “imminent financial collapse” unless reforms are enacted and dues are paid in full.