UN Should Ensure Transparency In Picking New Human Rights Commissioner

Successor to Louise Arbour Should be Strong Leader and Fearless Advocate for Human Rights

BBSNews 2008-03-20 -- New York (HRW) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon should seek broad input and ensure transparency in the selection of Louise Arbour's successor as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a joint letter released today.

The appointment process should be transparent and include wide consultation with relevant stakeholders, and the job specifications should be made public, the letter said. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called on the secretary-general to make the short list of candidates for the post public as well, as has been done previously in appointing the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

"The new high commissioner must be a person of the highest international standing and integrity, and have a proven track-record of public advocacy for human rights," Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in the letter. She or he "must be a strong leader with a clear vision for the protection of all human rights, and bring dynamism, courage and commitment to the position."

The letter from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is available online.