Secretary-General reiterates aim to keep human rights ‘high on agenda’

as he welcomes General Assembly endorsement of new high commissioner

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

The Secretary-General is gratified that his nomination of Navanethem Pillay of South Africa as the new High Commissioner for Human Rights has been endorsed by the General Assembly.

The Secretary-General reiterates his commitment to ensuring that human rights remain high on the agenda of the Organization.  He expects that the new High Commissioner will preserve the independence of her Office, and maintain effective working relations with the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the human rights community in general.  The Secretary-General is determined to give the High Commissioner full support, including with increased financial and human resources, as approved by the General Assembly.

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For information media • not an official record