The United Nations human rights chief is to step down, suggesting that his re-election would involve “lessening the independence and integrity of my voice” after his outspoken criticism of world powers – including the US.
Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said he would not seek a second four-year term as the High Commissioner for Human Rights, telling staff in an email: “To do so, in the current geopolitical context, might involve bending a knee in supplication”.
The Jordanian Prince had reportedly been under pressure to tone down his criticism of Donald Trump, who he has previously described as “dangerous” and blamed for a “surge in discrimination, anti-Semitism, and violence against ethnic and religious minorities”.
In September, the BBC reported that the UN leadership in Myanmar had tried to prevent the Rohingya crisis from being discussed with the government, and also discouraged human rights organisations from visiting parts of the country affected by crisis.
“After reflection, I have decided not to seek a second four-year term. To do so, in the current geopolitical context, might involve bending a knee in supplication; muting a statement of advocacy; lessening the independence and integrity of my voice — which is your voice.”
This was the message staff of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights received from their boss, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, in an email marking the end of the year, according to Foreign Policy.
