New York Press Conference: Hillel Neuer, UN whistleblower Emma Reilly, and Chinese dissident Yang Jianli expose Tistounet’s abuse of power to the press

Executive Director Hillel Neuer presented UN Watch’s official complaint against Eric Tistounet, chief of staff of the UN Human Rights Council since its creation in 2006. The top official at the UN Human Rights Council stands accused of ordering his staff to manipulate speakers lists and engage in other illicit activities to demote, cut off and completely block speeches by UN Watch, according to shocking testimony from a UN whistleblower, and from the release of a first tranche of leaked internal emails.

Hillel Neuer launched the formal complaint at UN Watch’s side event in New York. He was joined by Emma Reilly, a UN whistleblower and former employee under the chief of staff, who exposed Tistounet’s malicious practices, and by Dr. Yang Jianli, a courageous Chinese human rights activist and former political prisoner. 

In a 30-page legal complaint filed in New York with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN Watch charged Eric Tistounet with “systematic harassment, censorship and discrimination.

UN Watch demanded that the Secretary-General create an independent investigation, and that he immediately suspend Mr. Tistounet from his functions for the duration of the investigation.

“We’re calling for remedial action to ensure that UN Watch may once again exercise its right to speak at the UN Human Rights Council on an equal basis with all other NGOs,” said Neuer.

UN Watch Letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres