Minister for Foreign Affairs Welcomes Appointment of New UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Micheál Martin T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the confirmation by the United Nations General Assembly of Justice Navanethem Pillay as the next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Minister stated that “Justice Pillay’s record internationally as a Judge at the International Criminal Court, and previously as a human rights defender against apartheid in South Africa, makes her eminently suitable to be the next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is an excellent choice as a successor to Louise Arbour”.

The Minister also said that her record as a Judge for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda where she served for eight years, including four as President, demonstrated her unwavering dedication to the defence and promotion of human rights.

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Press Office
29/07/08