Nuovo Comissario UNHCHR

["F A B I O C C H I::" <fabiocchi@inwind.it>]

UN: Appointment of new High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed
Press release, 24/07/2002

Amnesty International today welcomed the appointment of Sergio Vieira de
Mello as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as
somebody who brings to the post the invaluable experience of a long and
distinguished career at the UN, including during major humanitarian and
political crises.
"I have no doubt that Mr Vieira de Mello will bring great vigour and vision
to this post," said Irene Khan, Amnesty International's Secretary General,
as she offered him the support and cooperation of the organization.

Amnesty International believes that Mr Vieira de Mello's strategic
leadership will be critical at a time when the promotion and protection of
human rights have come under unprecedented pressure in the aftermath of the
attacks of 11 September and in the context of globalisation.

"The High Commissioner's primary role is to be a strong and forceful
advocate for human rights, putting the interests of human rights victims
clearly and unequivocally above the political and security concerns of
states," stated Ms Khan.

"We expect the High Commissioner to be a champion of human rights who is
prepared to speak out with courage and act with resolve against violations,
no matter how powerful the perpetrator."

Amnesty International called on Mr Vieira de Mello to lead the campaign for
the protection of human rights with vision and courage, and to put respect
for human rights at the heart of the UN's response to global crises.