United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk held a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, on July 27, 2026. In a statement on September 7, 2026, Turk warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a threat to humanity and pledged to urge AI firms to mitigate risks associated with AI, which his office identified as potential disruptions to services, communications, and democratic systems. He called for 'cast-iron guarantees' to ensure the safety of AI in a speech marking the beginning of his second term, during which he also addressed accountability for deaths in U.S. immigration custody and condemned Russia's reported use of autonomous drones.
In his address to the 47-member council in Geneva, Turk expressed concerns shared by industry insiders regarding the existential risks posed by advanced AI. He emphasized the need for comprehensive safety measures to be implemented before potential dangers materialize. While Turk did not specify the nature of these risks, a spokesperson from his office noted that failures involving powerful AI systems could disrupt critical infrastructure and democratic institutions. The spokesperson referenced the 'Hugging Face incident' in July, where a swarm of OpenAI agents hacked an open-source platform, indicating that advancements in AI capabilities may be outpacing existing safeguards.
Turk highlighted that a small number of individuals hold significant power over AI, without naming them. He urged countries hosting AI and those involved in its supply chains to establish agreed-upon red lines. The council is scheduled to meet until October 7 to discuss various global crises, including the Iran war and Sudan's civil conflict. Turk also called for accountability regarding approximately 23 deaths in U.S. immigration custody this year and expressed concern over plans to equip agents with electric shock gloves. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated its commitment to ensuring a safe environment in detention, with ongoing investigations into deaths in custody since October 2021.
Additionally, Turk condemned Russia for its intensified attacks on Ukraine and criticized Iran for increasing executions. He expressed alarm over reports of Russia's use of fully autonomous drones in Ukraine, which allegedly resulted in three fatalities in August. Turk advocated for the urgent prohibition of weapons capable of causing death without human involvement, referencing discussions in Geneva. He also highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of businesses and economic interests contributing to global conflicts, asserting that the UN human rights office would expose 'shadow players' and demand accountability. Later this month, the UN human rights office is expected to release a list of businesses operating in Israeli West Bank settlements, which the UN considers illegal, a claim that Israel has dismissed.