A longstanding human rights and environmental advocate, Ambassador Khan has the potential to drive the Human Rights Council towards better inclusivity and accountability
Geneva – On January 15, the Human Rights Council elected Fiji’s Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan as its President for 2021.
In response to the election, Sébastien Duyck, Senior Attorney, Climate & Energy Program at the Center for International Environmental Law issued the following statement:
“With Ambassador Khan’s election, the Human Rights Council will be led by a Pacific Islands nation for the first time, this is an important step towards better inclusivity and accountability. For years, Fiji has been a strong advocate for more effective climate action and stronger protection of human rights in the context of climate change and environmental degradation. This was reflected in the nation’s pledge to champion the global recognition of the universal right to a safe and healthy environment during its bid to be elected to the Human Rights Council. Ambassador Khan’s leadership has played a crucial role in promoting rights-based climate action in UN climate talks and the Council’s work. We are confident that in her new capacity as President of the Human Rights Council, Ambassador Khan will be able to inject the Council with renewed energy and commitment in ensuring that the most marginalized countries and communities are heard and included in human rights policymaking. We look forward to working together with Ambassador Khan, her team, and the other Member States of the Council in advancing environmental rights in 2021.”
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