SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS LOUIS JOINET INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON HUMAN RIGHTS IN HAITI

26 March 2002




United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson announced today that the Secretary-General had approved the appointment of Louis Joinet as Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti. The appointment follows a decision taken by the Commission on Human Rights last year.

Mr. Joinet has a long and distinguished record as a champion of human rights in his own country, France, as a judge, as legal adviser in the Office of the Prime Minister, as a member of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, and as a member of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. He has prepared numerous studies and reports for the Sub-Commission.

The High Commissioner warmly congratulates Mr. Joinet and is convinced that he will make an important contribution to the cause of human rights in Haiti.




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