The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

The role of the High Commissioner is to draw attention to violations of human rights, promote general awareness of human rights and help coordinate UN activities in the area.

The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was established following a decision of the UN General Assembly in 1993.

Navi Pillay (South Africa) has been UN High Commissioner since 2008, when she succeeded Louise Arbour (Canada).

The Office of the High Commissioner
The High Commissioner has her own office, the OHCHR, which is part of the UN Secretariat in organisational terms but largely functions as an independent body. This is except for personnel issues and the Office's budget, where the OHCHR is subject to the General Assembly (Fifth Committee).

In 2005 a new Human Rights Council was established at the UN, replacing the former Commission on Human Rights.

Swedish interests and considerations
Ever since the position of High Commissioner was established, Sweden has been one of the High Commissioner's staunchest supporters, both politically and financially. Since 2004, Sweden has been the sixth largest donor to the OHCHR. Our annual contribution in 2007 came to SEK 41 million, including SEK 22 million in non-earmarked funds. In 2006 we contributed SEK 46 million.

In political terms, Sweden has advocated a strong mandate enabling the High Commissioner to seek actively to give human rights greater weight in the work of the United Nations, both in the maintenance of international peace and security and in the development programmes. We defend the independence and integrity of the High Commissioner vis-à-vis the UN Human Rights Council and have supported the High Commissioner in her prioritisation of implementation of Human Rights principles on the ground and a more effective OHCHR in the field.

Last edited 2009-06-16