SECRETARY-GENERAL CLARIFIES SELECTION PROCESS REGARDING

 

UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Some members of the media have questioned whether the United Nations was being sufficiently “transparent” in the process of selection of a successor to Louise Arbour.  The idea -- circulated by some -- that the process represents some sort of insider deal is absurd.

The Secretary-General’s objective in this regard is to identify the best qualified candidate, who can enjoy the broadest possible support from all stakeholders.  We have consulted widely with the groups and constituencies represented at the United Nations: Member States, non-governmental organizations, human rights groups.

We have been following the standard procedures applicable for all senior appointments made by the Secretary-General.  Our goal from the outset has been to establish clear and rigorous selection standards and timelines and make out a list of candidates from the widest possible pool.  This has been done by soliciting nominations from Member States, complemented by nominations addressed to the Secretary-General by a range of sources, including Member States and international non-governmental organizations, as well as human rights organizations.

Recently, the Deputy Secretary-General and the Chef de Cabinet met with representatives of the human rights community in New York to discuss various aspects relating to the appointment.  Similar meetings have also been held with representatives of Member States.  Such consultations are being carried out on a continuing basis.

Following a thorough review process, a shortlist of candidates has been drawn up.  The candidates on this shortlist have been interviewed by a panel of senior officials in accordance with procedures governing senior appointments made by the Secretary-General.  The names of shortlisted candidates have not been made public to protect their right to privacy.

In due course, the Secretary-General will interview the finalists before he makes a decision on the nomination he will eventually send to the General Assembly.

It is also not true that previous Administrations had made it a practice to publicize shortlists of candidates for such jobs.  This was not done in the case of Louise Arbour.  The lists of candidates were disclosed in some selected cases involving the selection of the heads of some agencies, funds and programmes.  The United Nations has not released names of candidates to head departments reporting to the Secretary-General.  The reasons for this are obvious reasons of privacy.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record