Pick a ‘courageous’ human rights chief
Rights groups yesterday appealed for the next UN rights chief to be appointed through a swift, open process, calling for a "courageous" nominee to stand up to powerful countries. More than 60 non-governmental organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, sent an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about what they hoped to see in the next high commissioner for human rights. Michelle Bachelet said last week she would not stand for a second term after her mandate ends on August 31, but so far there has been no indication from Guterres on who he has in mind to fill the position. The organisations emphasised the kind of candidate they would like to see, hinting they would prefer a break with Bachelet's discreet, diplomatic style. Bachelet has faced significant criticism over her reluctance to publicly admonish countries, including China, over alleged rights abuses.
Comments