Two personalities well-known in human rights circles have joined the Elders [see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elders_(organization)]
- Former UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein
Former UN human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. AP Photo
After four years as an outspoken defender of human rights for the United Nations, Jordanian royal Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is set to continue his work as a member of The Elders, the group of statesmen formed by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to promote equality and world peace. Mr Al Hussein stepped down as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights last September after a four-year term in which he became became increasingly at odds with world powers he accused of failing to uphold the ideals of the very international system they created. His refusal to stand for a second term, because he expected to be opposed by these same countries, ended a stellar career of more than two decades in the United Nations. [see: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/tag/zeid-raad-al-hussein/]
LIBERIA’S FORMER PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF Photograph — countercurrents,org
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was Africa’s first female Head of State and former Liberian president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Also joined former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, also a Nobel Peace prize winner.
The Elders Group is chair by former president of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson.
Leave a Reply