Outgoing UN human rights chief to head Ethical Globalization Initiative

On the eve of her final day as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson today announced plans to head a new project called the Ethical Globalization Initiative.

"For the past number of years, I have been very focused on seeking to implement the legal framework of human rights commitments made by governments," she told reporters in Geneva. "I now want to further this work by taking this normative framework into the debate on globalization."

Mrs. Robinson said the effort would also aim to help developing countries - particularly those in Africa - to secure adequate resources to fund their national human rights protection systems. "The 'North' must provide support in an appropriate way while recognizing the right and responsibility of States to shape their own national capacity," she said.

During the 15-month project, Mrs. Robinson will be based in New York and will undertake various engagements in close contact with governments and elements of civil society.

The Ethical Globalization Initiative is being launched by three organizations: the Aspen Institute and the State of the World Forum, both based in the United States, and the International Council on Human Rights Policy, which is headquartered in Switzerland.