Protect vulnerable from ISIS
The UN’s new High Commissioner for Human Rights says in his first speech in the role that ISIS is seeking to build a bloody legacy, and protecting women and children from the group must be a priority. Prince Zeid of Jordan:
Do they believe they are acting courageously? Barbarically slaughtering captives? … They reveal only what a Takfiri state would look like, should this movement actually try to govern in the future. It would be a harsh, mean-spirited, house of blood, where no shade would be offered, nor shelter given, to any non-Takfiri in their midst.
He calls on Iraq’s new government and prime minister to consider joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure accountability for crimes committed in the country:
In particular, dedicated efforts are urgently needed to protect religious and ethnic groups, children – who are at risk of forcible recruitment and sexual violence – and women, who have been the targets of severe restrictions.
Approves Prince Zeid as rights commissioner
The UN General Assembly’s 193 members unanimously approve Prince Zeid of Jordan as High Commissioner for Human Rights. He replaces the outgoing Pillay. Zeid:
I am going to be the first High Commissioner from the Asian continent and from the Muslim and Arab worlds. Needless to say this reflects the commitment of the international community towards this important dossier and its commitment to push it forward in this continent as well as in other regions of the world.
The mandate includes preventing human rights violations, securing respect for all human rights, promoting international cooperation to protect human rights, coordinating related activities throughout the UN, and strengthening and streamlining the UN system in the field of human rights.