United Nations: Flavia Pansieri appointed as the new Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

On 15 March 2013, the Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, has appointed Flavia Pansieri of Italy as the new Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Most recently, Mrs Pansieri served as the Executive Coordinator of the UN Volunteers (UNV) Programme. She brings to her new position nearly 30 years of experience with the UN around the world, including in Yemen, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos. Significant are also the important positions performed in New York and Vienna.

The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giulio Terzi Sant’Agata expressed his deep satisfaction for the appointment stating that “This is an important recognition of Italy’s commitment in the promotion and the protection of human rights worldwide which, in the context of United Nations, has led to important results in the field of freedom of religion and women and children’s rights.”

The post of High Commissioner for Human Rights was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 (A/RES/48/141), following the recommendation expressed in the final Declaration of World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna. The General Assembly resolution held that the High Commissioner should function as the UN official with principal responsibility for global human rights efforts.