UN Photo: OHCHR
The post of High Commissioner requires a mandate holder who is principled, independent, expert, and deeply committed to human rights.
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) notes the announcement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, that she will conclude her term in August.
The post of High Commissioner requires a mandate holder who is principled, independent, expert, and deeply committed to human rights.
It requires a mandate holder who can engage in strategic dialogue while also pursuing accountability and combating impunity for violations and abuses of human rights, even those committed by the most powerful states and actors.
It requires support for human rights defenders and solidarity with individuals, groups and minorities subject to various forms of discrimination and oppression.
The UN Secretary General’s process for the appointment of the next High Commissioner should be open, transparent, merit-based and involve meaningful consultation with independent civil society organisations and human rights defenders.’
ISHR will seek to support and critically engage with the work of the next mandate holder in order to ensure their commitment to public diplomacy in favour of advancing human rights worldwide.
Over two days, the forum celebrated the African Charter’s historic achievement but converged on a clear warning: its next phase must prioritise implementation, resourcing, the protection of civic space, accountability, and tangible remedies so that the Charter becomes an enforceable source of protection in people’s daily lives rather than an aspiration on paper.
At the margins of the 89th session of the African commission, civil society groups discussed the growing challenges and threats weighing on journalists working the Sahel.
Zambia must ensure that human rights defenders can speak out, organise and work freely. In a joint submission to the African Commission, ISHR, SACCORD and ZNHRD highlight restrictive legislations and call for progress towards the adoption of the law for the promotion and protection of the rights of defenders.
