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Mr. Sergio Vieira de
Mello,Brazil,
2002-
Mrs. Mary Robinson,
Ireland, 1997-2002
Mr. José
Ayala-Lasso,Ecuador, 1994-1997
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United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the United
Nations official with principal responsibility for United Nations
human rights activities, under the direction and authority of the
Secretary-General and within the framework of the overall
competence, authority and decisions of the General Assembly, the
Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Human Rights.
The High Commissioner is appointed by the Secretary-General with
the approval of the General Assembly, due regard being paid to
geographical rotation, for a fixed term of four years with the
possibility of renewal for a further term of four
years.
In resolution 48/141,
the General Assembly listed the High Commissioner's specific
responsibilities. They include, inter
alia:
- to promote and protect the effective
enjoyment by all of all civil, cultural, economic, political and
social rights, including the right to
development;
- to provide advisory services,
technical and financial assistance in the field of human rights
to States that request them;
- to coordinate United Nations
education and public information programmes in the field of
human rights;
- to play an active role in removing
the obstacles to the full realization of human rights and in
preventing the continuation of human rights violations
throughout the world;
- to engage in a dialogue with
Governments in order to secure respect for human
rights;
- to enhance international cooperation
for the promotion and protection of human rights;
- to coordinate human rights promotion
and protection activities throughout the United Nations
system;
- to
rationalize, adapt, strengthen and streamline the United Nations
machinery in the field of human rights in order to improve its
efficiency and effectiveness.
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