The UN condemned growing violence and pro-war propaganda in a global update at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council on Monday.

“Russia’s war in Ukraine has turned even more deadly. In July, more civilians were killed and injured than in any month since May 2022, as the Russian Federation intensified attacks along the frontline and on cities across the country,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. 

Türk also underscored atrocities against minorities and the impact of online hate speech as serious human rights issues that persist around the world. 

“Human rights are meant to challenge our assumptions, identify the blind spots, and encourage self-critical reflection, because no one is perfect,” stated Türk, before unveiling the ways the UN intended to address these issues. 

Türk outlined several new phases of an alliance called “UN80” between UN member states. The UN plans to engage with all governments, even those who disagree, to facilitate open discussion and amplify the value of human rights through positive campaigns. UN leaders intend to partner with tech and other innovative companies–including AI–to strengthen human rights and will also increase funding for human rights work through new funding models. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched “UN80” on the 80th anniversary of the UN in March to “adapt to complex global challenges and tightened resources.” The UN audited approximately 4,000 of its resolutions to increase impact and identify structural changes. It aimed to be more responsive to countries’ crises and more accountable to taxpayers who fund the organization.