United Nations Dec 22 (IANS) The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who has openly criticised powerful governments including the Trump administration has said he will not seek a second four-year term as it "might involve bending a knee in supplication".
The decision by Zeid Ra ad al-Hussein a Jordanian prince and former diplomat was conveyed in a short statement that was emailed to his staff on Wednesday. His four-year term expires next September the New York Times reported.
"After reflection I have decided not to seek a second four-year term " Al-Hussein wrote. "To do so in the current geopolitical context might involve bending a knee in supplication; muting a statement of advocacy; lessening the independence and integrity of my voice - which is your voice."
This week Al-Hussein described the US decision to recognise Jerusalem of Israel s capital as "dangerously provocative" and blamed the President s announcement for violence in which five people died.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres had urged Al-Hussein to ease off his public criticism of Trump over fears it put US support for the UN at risk reported Foreign Policy which obtained the Human Rights chief s email to staff.
It has been unclear for months whether Guterres would support him in seeking a second term or whether the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council would use their influence to block it.
Al-Hussein had been critical of all of them.
He has been outspoken about the Russian-backed government of Syria. He has warned of the prospects of genocide by the Chinese-backed government of Myanmar.
He has also called out the Trump administration several times most importantly on the travel ban against citizens of Muslim-majority countries and after the demonstrations by white supremacists in Virginia.
Stéphane Dujarric a spokesman for Guterres confirmed Al-Hussein s plans to leave after his term expires.
"The High Commissioner informed the Secretary General last week of his intention not to seek another term " Dujarric said.
"The High Commissioner has always enjoyed the full support of the Secretary General " he added.
--IANS
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