Canada welcomes appointment of Michelle Bachelet as next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

August 10, 2018 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:

“Canada welcomes the decision to appoint Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile, as the next UN high commissioner for human rights. Ms. Bachelet brings with her a wealth of experience, including as a champion for gender equality and the rights of women and girls.

“Canada extends its gratitude to the outgoing high commissioner, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, for his unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Under his leadership, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) strengthened the human rights agenda of the United Nations.

“Canada maintains a strong relationship with the OHCHR, which remains an essential element of the rules-based international order. In 2016, Canada announced up to $15 million over three years in unearmarked funding for the OHCHR. Canada has also provided additional targeted funding to OHCHR country missions and thematic programs, including the Human Rights up Front initiative.

“We trust that Ms. Bachelet, as the next high commissioner, will continue to fight for the values that the OHCHR represents and that Canada shares: human rights, freedom and dignity for all. Together, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to protect and promote human rights around the world.”