Just look at the statements that greeted former Chilean president and torture victim Michelle Bachelet upon her appointment as High Commissioner for Human Rights.
But Bachelet, one of the widely respected political figures of the times, who take charge of her new position on September 1, has a challenging task ahead.
“Hatred and inequality are on the rise. Respect for international humanitarian and human rights law is on the decline. Press freedoms are under pressure,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
“She has lived under the darkness of dictatorship,” the world body chief said.
“As a physician, she knows the trials of people thirsting for health and yearning to enjoy other vital economic and social rights. And she knows the responsibilities of both national and global leadership”.
Still more meaningful comments came from Bachelet’s predecessor Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, who leaves thee position after a four-year term during which he championed the cause of the disadvantaged, victims and marginalized communities.
“She has all the attributes – courage, perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to human rights – to make her a successful High Commissioner,” he said on Friday in a statement,
The outgoing UN and former Jordanian diplomat, who called out India for repression in Kashmir and challenged many powerful figures and countries, said the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) “looks forward to welcoming her and working under her leadership for the promotion and protection of all human rights, for everyone, everywhere”.
Michelle Bachelet has all the credentials, credibility and experience to do the formidable job and be the face of human rights defense.
But she faces a world divided on many issues, and has a big role to play. Zeid Al Husseain was made a target of hate campaign in India for holding New Delhi to account for its flagrant violations of human rights in Kashmir.
The only way, it seems, she can make a difference is through cooperation from world leaders.
“Michelle Bachelet brings unique experience to the United Nations and to all of us, and is strongly committed to keeping human rights at the forefront of the work of the United Nations,” he concluded. “She has my full confidence and support, and I ask all Member States and our partners to extend to her their support,” Guterres noted.
