PH optimistic of ‘better ties’ with next UN rights chief

Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet will be the next United Nations’ High Commissioner on Human Rights. (File photo courtesy of RTVM via PNA)

MANILA — Malacañang on Monday expressed optimism that the Duterte administration will forge better relations with the next United Nations’ High Commissioner on Human Rights.

Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet was chosen by UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres to be the next UN rights chief, following consultations with the chairs of regional groups of member states. On Wednesday, he formally notified the UN General Assembly of the selection.

In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque congratulated Bachelet. “She was elected and we congratulate her.”

Roque said the election may have been the result of a “compromise,” after the withdrawal of the United States from the UN Human Rights Council.

“I would say that the entire community of states perhaps elected her for a reason, noting that the United States opted to withdraw from the UNHRC. I think the election of the new high commissioner of human rights is a result of compromise,” he said.

“We’re optimistic we will have better relations with the new high commissioner,” he added.

Bachelet served as the President of Chile between 2006-2010 and from 2014 to 2018.

She will succeed Jordan’s Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, who will step down by end of August after a four-year stint at the UN office.