UN human rights chief embarks on four-country tour of Central Asia

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) on Tuesday will kick off an 11-day tour of Central Asia with stops in four countries in the region.

On the first leg of her trip, Louise Arbour will visit Kyrgyzstan, where she will meet with President Kurmanbek Bakiev and other senior Government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

She will also hold discussions with representatives from both regional and international organizations, civil society groups and diplomats.

The High Commissioner’s stop at the country “aims at increasing her Office’s engagement in the region,” according to a press release issued today of the visit which will give her the opportunity to discuss future cooperation with the Government and other key figures in Kyrgyzstan.

“She hopes that the visit will enhance dialogue and technical cooperation between her Office and the Government and people of Kyrgyzstan,” it added.

On her tour, Ms. Arbour will also visit Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.