SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES REGRET REGARDING DECISION OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS NOT TO SEEK SECOND TERM

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES REGRET REGARDING DECISION OF HIGH COMMISSIONER

FOR HUMAN RIGHTS NOT TO SEEK SECOND TERM

Following is a statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan regarding Ms. Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:

I learned, with great regret, of Mary Robinson’s decision not to seek a second term as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.  She has been a staunch and fearless spokesperson for human rights throughout the world.  She has demonstrated admirable courage in speaking up for those who are voiceless.  She rightly has placed the emphasis on understanding human rights in their broadest sense -– economic and social as well as civil and political.  In doing so, she has made a critical contribution to giving human rights a central role in the United Nations system.

Mary Robinson leaves the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva a significantly more highly evolved institution than the embryo she took over in 1997.  As I told her when she informed me of her decision, I am most grateful to her for the vital work she has done for the United Nations.  I have no doubt that, even after completing her United Nations assignment, she will continue to make a valuable contribution to the promotion of human rights in the community of all nations.

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