The ICJ welcomed the nomination of the South African judge Ms. Navanethem Pillay by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as the UN’ next High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Pillay’s appointment must accelerate the advancement of international law and reinforce justice and accountability, which are essential to preventing egregious human rights violations and meeting the UN objectives of development, security and protection of human rights, said the ICJ. Ms. Pillay will be responsible for ensuring concerted action by the United Nations as a whole in addressing human rights violations. The new High Commissioner is also expected to enhance the human rights components of the UN country presences and the effectiveness of their monitoring and assistance mission.
Pillay’s nomination must boost UN efforts to protect human rights-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)