Lubbers

Ruud Lubbers says farewell to UNHCR staff

Lubbers bows out as UN refugee chief with plea to ‘turn the page’

24 February 2005
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ruud Lubbers, who resigned on Sunday amid persistent controversy over allegations of sexual impropriety, bid an emotional goodbye to his 6,000 staff around the world today with a plea to turn the page and not dwell on the past.
Lubbers speaking to reporters (file photo)

UN's refugee chief says he resigned to avoid adding to media pressure on UN

21 February 2005
Ruud Lubbers, who yesterday announced his resignation as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, today told staff of the Geneva-based agency he had acted out of concern for the world body's public image.

Lubbers resigns as UN refugee chief; Annan says move is in best interest of UN agency

20 February 2005
Ruud Lubbers, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has stepped down from his post amid the persistent controversy over allegations of sexual impropriety – a move that Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed as serving the wider interest of the UN refugee agency.