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Spokesperson says human rights appointment process is following rules after reporter raises concerns
Summary
A reporter asked whether the Secretary‑General is seeking a second term for the High Commissioner for Human Rights without outside consultation; the spokesperson said consultations have taken place and the process will proceed in the General Assembly.
A reporter asked whether the Secretary‑General was attempting to push a second term for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, without broad consultations. The question was raised directly at the briefing by Edie.
Edie asked: "Does the secretary general have any comment on a published report that he is trying to push through a 2nd term for, UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk without consideration of any outside consultations or candidates?"
Spokesperson Stefan replied that the Secretary‑General is following the relevant resolution and rules governing the post, that consultations with member states have taken place, and that a process will now proceed in the General Assembly. "Everything is being done above board and in a very transparent manner and in accordance with established rules and regulations," Stefan said, and he paid tribute to the work of the High Commissioner during his term.
The briefing did not produce documentary evidence about the consultation process or a timeline for any formal nomination; Stefan's answer described the process as compliant with established rules and said member state consultations have occurred.
