UN appoints new High Commissioner for Human Rights

UN appoints new High Commissioner for Human Rights - Time for an ambitious human rights agenda

Amnesty International welcomes the appointment of Louise Arbour as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"Louise Arbour's broad human rights background, distinguished legal career and service as UN prosecutor give her the experience to be both bold and creative in promoting and protecting human rights," said Amnesty International.

"We will look for opportunities to cooperate with the new High Commissioner in the worldwide protection of human rights."

Louise Arbour is the UN's chief advocate for human rights. In the face of grave human rights abuses, the High Commissioner must be prepared to speak out forcefully when diplomacy fails.

Today respect for human rights faces many threats, some old and understood and others new, such as those arising from 'terrorism', armed conflict or poverty. Amnesty International looks to the High Commissioner to provide renewed international leadership in the promotion and protection of human rights and to be a voice for all victims of human rights abuses.

"Human rights abuses must be confronted wherever they occur and regardless of any country's economic or political weight," said Amnesty International.

"In the immediate future, Amnesty International looks forward to occasions to work with the High Commissioner to promote the human rights of women in the context of Amnesty International's campaign to Stop Violence against Women."

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