New york: The United Nations General Assembly has voted to extend the mandate of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk for an additional four years. The decision, supported by a majority of 144 countries, was met with opposition from 10 nations and 13 abstentions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the extension proposal was put forward by UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres and received backing from the European Union, African countries, and several Latin American nations. China also cast its vote in favor of the extension. However, the move faced opposition from Russia and Israel, while the United States expressed concerns, cautioning that it might reassess its engagement, participation, and funding to the United Nations.

The Assembly’s decision came despite a previous proposal by Russia for a shorter extension until the end of 2026, which was rejected. Volker Trk’s second term as High Commissioner will commence once his current term concludes in October.