The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for greater political support for the Commission on Monday as he seeks to expand its work by establishing a presence for the first time in China and India. In his inaugural speech before the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk emphasized the need for increased cooperation, mentioning several countries including Syria, Iran, and Eritrea. He stated to the council, "We would now like to increase engagement. I also believe it is important for us to establish a presence for the first time in China and India."
A spokesperson for the UN Commission indicated that Turk discussed the idea of creating the two new offices with the governments of India and China during meetings. Turk expressed concern over "the crackdown on civil society in many countries" and wished to double the Commission's budget to enhance international monitoring. He urged the United States to take urgent action regarding racial discrimination and to ratify six human rights treaties, including one related to children's rights. For its part, the United States noted its observation of increased assaults by officials on human rights in India, while New Delhi stated that it respects human rights.
