UN Rights Chief Urges Peace Talks, Stronger AI Safeguards Amid Global Crises

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged governments Monday to pursue peace talks and establish stronger safeguards for artificial intelligence, warning the Human Rights Council in Geneva that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity. Türk said more than 60 wars involving at least one state now threaten global stability. He called for negotiations that respect the U.N. Charter and urged governments to address the economic interests that fuel conflicts. The rights chief expressed alarm over renewed attacks between the United States and Iran, which he said had affected the Gulf region. He also warned that Russia's war in Ukraine had entered its fifth year with rising civilian casualties and intensified attacks on energy infrastructure. Türk called for an urgent ban on weapons capable of killing without human involvement, citing reports that fully autonomous Russian drones killed three Ukrainians in August. He said Ukraine had reportedly tested similar weapons. In Gaza, Türk cited Palestinian Health Ministry figures showing that Israeli strikes had killed more than 1,300 Palestinians since the announcement of a ceasefire almost a year earlier. He criticized Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid and proposals to expel Palestinians from the territory. He also condemned reports that armed groups affiliated with Hamas had executed and tortured Palestinians suspected of collaboration. Türk urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, where he said attacks on civilian infrastructure continued, and called for an end to foreign involvement in the conflict. He also raised concerns about renewed hostilities in South Sudan, escalating tensions in Yemen and attacks on civilians in Ethiopia. Türk called for stronger international oversight of artificial intelligence, including agreed safety limits, independent verification, and greater cooperation among technology companies. He said he would write to AI companies in the coming days to urge them to reduce risks within their control. 'We need independent verification and much stronger collaboration on security within the industry,' he said. Türk also criticized restrictions on peaceful protest, free expression, and political opposition in several countries. He raised concerns about executions in Iran, excessive force against protesters in Pakistan, restrictions on opposition parties in Nicaragua and Russia, and growing digital surveillance. He also urged the United States to halt returns to countries where people could face irreparable harm and to ensure due process in removals to third countries. Türk said four more people had died in U.S. immigration custody since his previous update, bringing the 2026 total to 23. Looking ahead, Türk said his office would prioritize transitional justice, women's participation in peace processes, support for grassroots organizations, and stronger accountability mechanisms. He urged states to support the International Criminal Court and use universal jurisdiction where appropriate.