Senior UN official heads to Bolivia to assess human rights situation

The United Nations human rights chief will be visiting Bolivia later this week to discuss progress and issues of concern with government officials, as well as representatives of the legislature, the judiciary and civil society.

The 12 to 16 November visit by Navi Pillay comes amid a recent agreement with the Government which extends the presence of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bolivia for a further three years, until 2013.

The country office, set up in 2007, provides technical assistance to State institutions and civil society organizations, promotes human rights, and monitors and reports on the status of human rights in the South American nation.

The visit is intended to help the High Commissioner obtain first-hand understanding of current dynamics in the country relating to human rights, including progress and specific issues of concern, as well as examine ways in which her office can provide further support and advice.

During the visit, Ms. Pillay will meet with President Evo Morales Ayma, Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca, Justice Minister Nilda Copa Condori and other senior government officials, as well as representatives of the National Assembly and the Judiciary.

She will also meet with the Ombudsman, indigenous authorities and members of civil society – including Afro-Bolivian organizations – to discuss a range of human rights issues.