A New York Times article, Friday July 19th reports that UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon is planning to name a judge from South Africa, Navanethem Pillay, to the key post of high commissioner for human rights. The nomination, which requires the approval of the UN General Assembly, is expected to be announced this week according to an official briefed by the Secretary General’s office.
The NY Times article and South Africa News 24, both claim that the United States has privately raised concerns about Judge Pillay, including her strong support for women's access to abortion, contraception and other reproductive rights, and how she might handle next year's follow up to the 2001 UN World Conference on Racism in Durban, South Africa, which drew controversy due to anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli stands.
The article also claims that, Louise Arbour, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was not reappointed for a second term as she was seen by the Human Rights Council to have a “Western” and a “white” agenda.
Pro-life groups are concerned that yet another incumbent of the office of High Commissioner for Human Rights is a strong supporter of a so called right to abortion when the most abused human right is the right to life of the unborn baby.
The article also claims that, Louise Arbour, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights was not reappointed for a second term as she was seen by the Human Rights Council to have a “Western” and a “white” agenda.
Pro-life groups are concerned that yet another incumbent of the office of High Commissioner for Human Rights is a strong supporter of a so called right to abortion when the most abused human right is the right to life of the unborn baby.
