SECRETARY-GENERAL’S STATEMENT ON TERM OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Following is the text of a statement made today in Nairobi by Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

As you know, Mary Robinson's term of office expires this September, and she had announced two weeks ago that she would not seek a second term.  That was a source of great regret, not only to me, but to everyone concerned with human rights.  Many governments, as well as representatives of civil society around the world, have urged her to reconsider.

She and I met in Geneva last week, and again yesterday here in Nairobi, where we are both attending the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC) -- the twice-yearly meeting of all the executive heads of the United Nations system.  We discussed the timing of her departure, and I am delighted to say that I have prevailed on her, subject to approval by the General Assembly, to stay on for one more year.

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