Former Chilean president Bachelet appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet was appointed today by the UN General Assembly as the world body's next top human rights official to replace Jordanian diplomat Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had this week nominated Bachelet to be the next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Her name was forwarded for consideration by the 193-member UN General Assembly, which today approved her appointment.

Al Hussein warmly welcomed the UN General Assembly's appointment of Bachelet to succeed him when his mandate comes to an end on 31 August 2018.

"I am truly delighted by the appointment of Michelle Bachelet as the next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights," Zeid said.

"She has all the attributes courage, perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to human rights to make her a successful High Commissioner. The UN Human Rights Office looks forward to welcoming her and working under her leadership for the promotion and protection of all human rights, for everyone, everywhere."
Al-Hussein will step down from his role at the end of this month. He served a single term, beginning in 2014. During his tenure, Al-hussein had been outspoken in his criticism of abuses in dozens of countries from Myanmar and Hungary to the United States. At a farewell news conference at UN headquarters this month, he had said he does not regret speaking out against human rights abuses, saying "silence does not earn you any respect none."