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3 April 2001




STATEMENT BY THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL
ON THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS



As you know Mary Robinson's term of office expires this September, and she had announced two weeks ago that she would not seek a second term. That was a source of great regret, not only to me but to everyone concerned with human rights.

Many governments, as well as representatives of civil society around the world, have urged her to reconsider.

She and I met in Geneva last week, and again yesterday here in Nairobi, where we are both attending the ACC - the twice-yearly meeting of all the executive heads of the United Nations system. We discussed the timing of her departure, and I am delighted to say that I have prevailed on her, subject to approval by the General Assembly, to stay on for one more year.