Mary Robinson 'honoured' by extension of mandate as UN human rights chief

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson today said she was honoured by the General Assembly's decision to extend her mandate for an additional year, and accepted it "with enthusiasm."

"I appreciate the trust placed in me and am determined to live up to that trust," Ms. Robinson said in a statement issued in Geneva. Her current term expires on 11 September.

The High Commissioner said the defense of human rights was a difficult and complex challenge, but that she had no doubt about its significance and centrality to the work of the UN.

Ms. Robinson also expressed her appreciation to Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his "strong commitment to the cause of human rights and for his constant support."