New York, May 28: Amnesty International has expressed concern at United Nation`s decision to temporarily combine the post of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, with new post of special representative of Secretary-General for Iraq, saying the global situation at present does not merit the combination of the two posts. "The global human rights situation more than ever requires the full attention of an authoritative UN High Commissioner, something that cannot be ensured through acting arrangements, no matter the personal capabilities of the individual who will cover the post during this period," Amnesty International said. Sergio Vieira de Mellow has been appointed to the new post for four months.


The position of High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty said, "Is of vital importance for the protection of Human Rights throughout the world. It should not be combined with any other senior position, however uniquely qualified the individual in question may be to hold both. "


The arrangements just announced risk undermining the prestige, authority and effectiveness of the position," it added.
Bureau Report