Volker Türk to be appointed next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights after opaque nomination process
A week after the end of Michelle Bachelet’s term, States in New York were notified late last night that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intends to seek approval for the appointment of Mr. Volker Türk of Austria as the next High Commissioner for Human Rights during a meeting today (8 September). In all previous appointments, the Secretary-General`s recommended candidate has been approved by consensus (without a vote).
In two joint letters, NGOs had called for an open, transparent and merit-based process involving wide and meaningful consultation with independent human rights defenders and organisations. NGOs argued that the nomination process was critical to identifying the most qualified candidate and ensuring the credibility of their appointment.
‘The lack of transparency and meaningful consultation with independent civil society in the selection process meant that the Secretary-General missed a key opportunity to build the legitimacy and authority of the next High Commissioner’, said ISHR Executive Director Phil Lynch.
‘That said, we will seek to work closely and collaboratively with the next High Commissioner to protect human rights, and to pursue accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims. Meaningful engagement with independent civil society is critical to ensure that the High Commissioner and their Office understands and responds effectively to the situation on the ground,’ Lynch added.
The post of High Commissioner for Human Rights is critical to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, particularly at a time when human rights standards and mechanisms face enormous pressure from powerful governments, and universal human rights are under threat or in retreat, including in established democracies.
‘The stakes have never been higher. We’ve just had a High Commissioner publish a damning report on China literally on her way out the door. To meet the demands of the job, the next High Commissioner must be a human rights champion who is courageous and principled and engages consistently with human rights defenders,’ said Sarah M. Brooks, Programme Director for ISHR.
‘The High Commissioner’s role is to be the world’s leading human rights advocate, as distinct from the role of a diplomat or political envoy. Demonstrating solidarity with victims and publicly calling out abuses should take precedence over friendly dialogue with governments’, said NGOs in their earlier joint letter.
Photo: Volker Türk with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Source: UN Photo/Evan Schneider.
| Themes |
| • Human rights • International • UN HR bodies • UN system |
