Navanethem Pillay the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Bern, 28.07.2008 - Switzerland is pleased to note the approval by the General Assembly of the United Nations of the appointment of judge Navanethem Pillay as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Switzerland expresses the hope that she will have a fruitful period of office and that she will have the necessary independence and sufficient resources to fulfil her important task of defending human rights. Switzerland also expresses its deep gratitude to her predecessor Louise Arbour for her unfailing commitment to the promotion and the protection of human rights.
On Monday 28 July 2008, the General Assembly approved the appointment by UN Secretary general Ban Ki-moon of judge Navanethem Pillay as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She has been a judge at the International Criminal Court since 2003 and was previously a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda for eight years, for four of which she was president of the tribunal.
In 1967, Navanethem Pillay was the first woman to open a legal practice in the province of Natal in South Africa and she was the first coloured woman member of her country's supreme court. As a lawyer, she defended many opponents of apartheid.
Switzerland attaches great importance to human rights and to the work of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This position demands the highest personal and professional integrity, diplomatic and political skills, an excellent knowledge of human rights and proven management competence.
The High Commissioner will have to intervene in different international bodies to defend the cause of human rights and act as an advocate for victims. She will have to cooperate constructively with governments to strengthen human rights protection at the national level. She will also have to work together with tribunals to help bring about the systematic implementation of human rights. In addition she will collaborate with non-governmental organisations, the private sector and university institutions. Finally she will have to manage an institution whose budget, staff numbers and network of regional offices have been strengthened.
Switzerland is looking forward to developing with Navanethem Pillay relations as close and trusting as those with Louise Arbour, whom it thanks sincerely once again for her unfailing commitment to the promotion and the protection of human rights.
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