The next UN Secretary-General must stand up for human rights

The next UN Secretary-General must stand up for human rights

As Ban Ki-Moon prepares to step down this year, a group of six non-governmental organizations headed by Amnesty International has launched a human rights agenda for his successor.  

As UNGA meetings begin, candidates must display courage, integrity and commitment to transparency

1 for 7 Billion welcomes the meetings with UN Secretary-General candidates to be held in the General Assembly on 12-14 April. For the first time in the UN’s history, all UN member states will have the opportunity to engage with candidates through a structured process, taking forward the historic Resolution 69/321 adopted by the General Assembly last year.

UN Debates Further Reform of the Secretary-General Selection Process

Last week, all Member States were invited to speak at a UN debate on the appointment of the next Secretary-General.  As the debate revealed, Member States are still committed to establishing the strongest possible selection process—and would adopt further reforms to make it happen.  

Majority of states support discussion of single term, multiple candidates proposals

1 for 7 Billion has launched two new documents showing where every UN Member State stands on two urgent proposals for reform: the appointment of the Secretary-General for a single, non-renewable term of between five and ten years, and the recommendation of multiple candidates by the Security Council to the General Assembly.  

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1 for 7 Billion urges action at upcoming UN debate

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This week, the 1 for 7 Billion campaign sent a letter to all UN Member States urging them to consider specific reforms to further improve the selection process before the next Secretary-General is appointed at the end of the year. The letter comes ahead of a thematic debate on the selection and appointment of the UN Secretary-General, to take place at the UN’s New York headquarters on 22 March

The public wants a UN leader with "the courage to stand up to powerful countries"

In September 2015, 1 for 7 Billion launched a public poll to generate discussion on the role of the UN Secretary-General. The poll asked questions about the issues the next Secretary-General should prioritise and the qualities she or he should possess to be an effective leader of the United Nations.