SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES REGRET REGARDING DECISION OF HIGH COMMISSIONER
FOR HUMAN RIGHTS NOT TO SEEK SECOND TERM
Following is a statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan regarding Ms. Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:
I learned, with great regret, of Mary Robinson’s decision not to seek a second term as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.� She has been a staunch and fearless spokesperson for human rights throughout the world.� She has demonstrated admirable courage in speaking up for those who are voiceless.� She rightly has placed the emphasis on understanding human rights in their broadest sense -– economic and social as well as civil and political.� In doing so, she has made a critical contribution to giving human rights a central role in the United Nations system.
Mary Robinson leaves the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva a significantly more highly evolved institution than the embryo she took over in 1997.� As I told her when she informed me of her decision, I am most grateful to her for the vital work she has done for the United Nations.� I have no doubt that, even after completing her United Nations assignment, she will continue to make a valuable contribution to the promotion of human rights in the community of all nations.
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