New UN High Commissioner for Human Rights announced

Date: 28th August 2018
Category: Other human rights treaties and mechanisms

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The UN has elected Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, as their new High Commissioner for Human Rights. Ms Bachelet is known for her work as a human rights champion, particularly in the field of women's empowerment and gender equality. 

Bachelet will be succeeding current Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein when his mandate comes to an end on 31st August 2018. As well as serving as President of Chile from 2014 to 2018 and 206 to 2010, she also served as the first Executive Director of UN Women (2010-2013) and as Minster of Defence and Minister of Health in Chile. 

The High Commissioner for Human Rights heads the Office for the Human Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) which has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.

Find out more about the new Commissioner here.