In his speech at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that 2024 is a democratic turning point for elections around the world. In his speech, Turk said, “Fear is tearing societies apart around the world and unleashing anger and hatred. Additionally, the 'winner takes all' approach that sees elections as spoils of victory fuels this anger.

The year 2024, when elections will be held in more than 60 countries where almost half of the world's population lives, may be a turning point in terms of democratic principles. A safe and fully participatory election process is key to ensuring that government serves people's human rights. “But democracy is also broader than the singular moment of elections every three, four or five years,” he said.

“POLITICIANS ARE DELIBERATELY INCREASING HOSTILITY TO GAIN SUPPORT IN ELECTIONS”

Volker Türk stated that politicians around the world deliberately inflame hostility in order to gain support during election periods and used the following statements:

“In many parts of the world, politicians deliberately stir up hostility and xenophobia to garner support, especially during election periods. In this reckless rush to abandon the common good for short-term self-interest, they are tearing apart the fundamental human rights principles that could unite us all.

I am deeply concerned about the possibility of massive disinformation campaigns fueled by generative AI emerging in the context of elections. “There is a dire need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible use of generative AI, and my Office is doing all we can to develop them.”