UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR UNDERTAKES EMERGENCY MISSION TO NIGER

7 July 2005


The Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the right to food, Jean Ziegler, will visit Niger from 8 to 12 July 2005. The purpose of this emergency visit is to raise global awareness to the serious food situation in Niger.

During his mission, Mr. Ziegler will meet with high-level Government officials, main political opposition parties, United Nations' agencies and non-governmental organizations. His team will also travel to Maradi, one of the regions most affected by the current food crisis in the country. The Special Rapporteur previously visited Niger on August 2001 under his current mandate.

The Special Rapporteur has previously expressed his grave concern at the situation in Niger in a press release on 22 June 2005 (see press release HR/05/63).

At the end of his mission, Mr. Ziegler will hold a press conference at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 13 July at 2:30 p.m. at Press Room One.
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This is an English translation of the press release issued yesterday in French.

For use of the information media; not an official record