New UN human rights chief to take part in African Union summit

In her first official mission as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour will take part in the African Union's summit next week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, her Office announced today.

Mrs. Arbour's participation in the meeting from 5 to 7 July "highlights the importance she and her Office attach to the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa," according to a statement released by the Geneva-based body.

The High Commissioner's Office (OHCHR) is represented in 12 African countries by stand-alone offices, regional representations, technical cooperation teams, advisers or human rights components of UN peace missions.

OHCHR has also provided support to the AU primarily through technical assistance aimed at strengthening the Africa's human rights system, especially the continent's Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights as well as in relation to the human rights aspects of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).