High Commissioner Robinson deserves extra assistance - Minister O'Donnell

The Minister of State with responsibility for Human Rights, Ms Liz O'Donnell, T.D., said today that Governments would have to re-inforce their efforts to assist the United Nations High Commissioner, Mary Robinson, in her ambitious programme.

Minister O'Donnell was speaking after a meeting with the High Commissioner in Geneva this afternoon.

"Mrs. Robinson came to this job with the ringing endorsement of leaders in the developed and developing world, with a strong mandate to champion fundamental human rights. Those same leaders must now translate their commitment into practical measures to bring human rights issues centre stage on their own agendas", she said.

"Less than two per cent of the U.N.'s total budget is allocated to the High Commissioner's office. The rest is made up of voluntary contributions from governments. These figures show the difficulties under which the High Commissioner is working", the Minister said.

She pointed out that Ireland was a substantial voluntary contributor to that budget.

Minister O'Donnell said it would be a shame if lack of commitment internationally was to obstruct the great potential presented by Mrs. Robinson's appointment, and the expectations generated by it.

At today's meeting the Minister discussed a range of human rights issues with the High Commissioner.

She also confirmed that she would be leading the Irish delegation to the Examining Committee of the UN on our national report on the Rights of the Child in January.

She also discussed with the High Commissioner the meeting she had this week with women's groups in relation to the world-wide campaign "16 Days of Action against Violence against Women" and outlined the Government's anxiety to highlight acts of violence against women as gross violations of human rights.Top