The United Nations’ top human rights official says his office is struggling to operate after major funding cuts from donor governments, even as rights abuses escalate across the globe.

Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said on Wednesday that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has $90m less than it needs this year. He told reporters the shortfall has already forced the loss of 300 jobs and reduced the organisation’s ability to monitor violations around the world.

“Our resources have been slashed, along with funding for human rights organisations, including at the grassroots level, around the world,” Turk said. “We are in survival mode.”

Donor governments including Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden have pulled back on UN contributions and aid as

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