UN Watch welcomes the following statement just issued now by the U.S. government, in response to our letter outlining Hilal Elver’s troubling record.
————–
U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva
For Immediate Release | May 8, 2014
MEDIA NOTE
New Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food
The United States again expresses its concern on today’s appointment of Hilal Elver by the UN Human Rights Council to be the new Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. Ms. Elver’s lack of relevant experience in this area raises questions about her readiness for this assignment. In addition, several of Ms. Elver’s previous publications include biased and inflammatory views regarding the United States and the state of Israel. These views run counter to the dispassionate professionalism central to the work of a Special Rapporteur. Furthermore, this appointment could reflect negatively on the Council’s other special procedures mandates, most of which produce crucial work that highlights, promotes, and protects human rights around the world.
Notwithstanding these concerns, the United States hopes Ms. Elver will use this position to take a constructive approach to addressing the complex challenges of global food security and nutrition.
