Judge Navanethen Pillay of South Africa has been appointed the new High Commissioner of Human Rights.

Below is an article published by United Nations Radio:

The UN General Assembly has confirmed the appointment of South African judge Navanethem Pillay as the new High Commissioner of Human Rights.

The representative of Ethiopia Ambassador Negash Botora speaking on behalf of the African Group says the appointment of Judge Pillay is a concrete expression that Africa continues to be a decisive force in international affairs.

"United Nations cannot discharge its full responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security for achieving a sustainable socio-economic development if proper and appropriate attention is not accorded to human rights. It is therefore fitting to appoint Judge Pillay, whose commitment to the defense and promotion of human rights, and whose integrity and personality is well recognized internationally, to this supreme and challenging post."

Judge Pillay is one of South Africa's leading jurists who has dedicated her life to the cause of upholding the rule of law and human rights.