The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has launched a new crowdfunding campaign, The Humans in Human Rights, to highlight the critical importance of supporting human rights work amid funding shortfalls. The campaign features a video series that showcases the personal stories of staff and beneficiaries, providing a human perspective on the challenges and impacts of underfunding. Through these narratives, viewers can better understand the stakes for both the individuals carrying out human rights work and the communities whose rights are being defended globally.
The campaign highlights the dedication of UN Human Rights staff working in challenging contexts, from Burkina Faso and Ukraine to Timor-Leste, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Brazil, Moldova, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Belgium. It seeks not only to mobilize individual contributions but also to communicate the deep commitment of staff who defend human rights worldwide.
One featured story is that of Ajith Sunghay, head of OHCHR’s office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Inspired by his experiences with refugees in Sudan, Sunghay has devoted his career to human rights, leading a team that gathers critical information, documents violations, and coordinates protective measures for vulnerable populations. His office also trains emergency first responders and works with over 100 partner organizations to address protection concerns in Gaza and the West Bank.
Underfunding presents a major threat to OHCHR’s work, potentially affecting millions of Palestinians and many other communities worldwide. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasized at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council that escalating conflicts and societal divisions are creating unprecedented challenges, including crackdowns on defenders and journalists, and a general erosion of respect for international human rights law.
Despite these difficulties, Türk stressed that investing in human rights is a low-cost, high-impact strategy that strengthens societies, promotes peace and security, and supports sustainable development. The Humans in Human Rights campaign aims to sustain this vital work by connecting donors with the human stories behind the policies, demonstrating how support can translate into meaningful global impact.
