RismadarVoice Reporters
September 7, 2026
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems could pose a serious threat to humanity if adequate safety measures are not established.
Speaking in Geneva on Monday ahead of the start of his second four-year term, Turk called for stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence and urged technology companies to take greater responsibility in reducing potential risks associated with the technology.
“I share the concerns of industry insiders that advanced AI could pose an existential risk to humanity,” Turk told the 47-member UN Human Rights Council.
He called for “cast-iron guarantees” to ensure the safety and security of AI systems, warning that failures involving powerful AI technologies could disrupt critical infrastructure, communications networks and democratic institutions.
A spokesperson for Turk’s office said concerns included the possibility of advanced AI systems affecting essential services and enabling harmful activities. The office also referenced a reported incident involving AI agents and an open-source platform as an example of challenges emerging from rapidly developing AI capabilities.
Turk said a small number of individuals and companies currently hold significant influence over AI development and called for countries involved in AI production and supply chains to agree on clear limits for the technology.
“We need countries hosting AI and those involved in its supply chains to come together around agreed red lines,” he said.
The UN rights chief also raised concerns over the reported use of fully autonomous drones in conflicts, particularly allegations involving Russia’s war in Ukraine. He called for urgent discussions on banning weapons systems capable of taking human lives without human control.
Beyond AI and autonomous weapons, Turk addressed other human rights issues, including deaths in United States immigration custody and ongoing global conflicts.
He called for accountability over deaths in US immigration detention facilities and expressed concern about reports of plans to equip immigration agents with electric shock devices.
Turk also criticised Russia over intensified attacks in Ukraine and raised concerns about rising executions in Iran.
The UN Human Rights Council is currently discussing several international crises, including conflicts in Iran and Sudan, as well as other global human rights challenges.
Turk said his office would continue examining the role of businesses and economic interests linked to conflicts around the world, promising greater scrutiny of those contributing to instability.
