Statement by the Spokesperson on the appointment of Prince Zeid as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

EU News 269/2014

Brussels, 16 June 2014
140616/02

"We welcome the appointment of Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Prince Zeid has a proven track record at the United Nations, in human rights and as a strong advocate for international justice.

The EU is confident that with the appointment of Prince Zeid, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will be well placed to continue to play a lead role in advancing and strengthening respect for human rights worldwide.

We wish to pay a special tribute to the outgoing High Commissioner Ms Navanethem Pillay for her tireless work over the last six years to protect and promote human rights globally. We particularly commend the expansion of the field presences during her mandate and the efforts to mainstream human rights across the United Nations system.

The EU is a strong supporter of the Office of the High Commissioner, its independence and integrity, as well as the UN's work in the area of human rights more broadly. The EU looks forward to a fruitful cooperation with the new High Commissioner."

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140616_02_en.pdf

File Photo: Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein, on the left, and Kristalina Georgieva Date: 25/09/2013 Reference: P-023986/00-42 Location: New York - EU/Delegation (C)EU, 2013 URL

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