United Nations: Global human rights situation needs full-time High Commissioner
Amnesty International expressed concern at today's United Nation's decision to temporarily combine the post of United
Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the new post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General
for Iraq, to which Mr Sergio Vieira de Mello, the current High Commissioner, has just been appointed by the UN
Secretary-General.
"The global human rights situation more than ever requires the full attention of an authoritative High Commissioner,
something that cannot be ensured through acting arrangements, no matter the personal capabilities of the individual who
will cover the post during this period," Amnesty International said today.
The position of High Commissioner for Human Rights is of vital importance for the protection of human rights throughout
the world. It should not be combined with any other senior position, however uniquely qualified the individual in
question may be to hold both. The arrangements just announced risk undermining the prestige, authority and effectiveness
of the position.
"Mr Vieira de Mello has the skills and field experience to be a successful Special Representative for Iraq, and his most
recent experience as High Commissioner for Human Rights should position him well to raise the profile of human rights in
Iraq. Our concern is that acting arrangements to head the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are not
appropriate given the importance of this office," Amnesty International added.
The appointment to this important new post, created by the Security Council in resolution 1483 last week, is made for a
period of four months, and is apparently renewable.
"If there is any indication that this four-month appointment will be renewed, we would urge UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan to start the appointment procedure for a new High Commissioner for Human Rights immediately."
More on treaty bodies: http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maaa67PaaYeP3bb0hPub/
Iraq: Security Council misses opportunity, must focus on human rights now: http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maaa67PaaYeP4bb0hPub/