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
