OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TO ESTABLISH PRESENCE IN BOLIVIA

14 February 2007



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour and the Government of Bolivia signed on 13 February in La Paz an agreement to establish an Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the country. The Government was represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Choquehuanca.

The new office, to be based in La Paz and be active throughout the country, aims to contribute to the reinforcement of national capacities for the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular by assisting the Bolivian authorities in the elaboration and implementation of strategies and programmes.

“The Bolivia office embodies the our strategic vision encompassing increased work at the country level and an enhanced leadership role for OHCHR in advocating better implementation of human rights globally”, said the High Commissioner..

The OHCHR Bolivia office will cover a broad range of functions, including the advice for the promotion and protection of human rights. Regarding technical cooperation, five areas will initially be given priority:

· Assisting the Government in improving the administration of the justice system;
· Supporting and advising the Resident Coordinator of the UN Country Team in Bolivia concerning human rights issues;
· Empowering civil society;
· Enhancing national capacities to combat racism and racial discrimination;
· Strengthening capacity for the full realization of the Millennium Development Goals as well as economic, social and cultural rights.