United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, following approval by the General Assembly, appointed Michelle Bachelet of Chile as new High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The IGC welcomes Michelle Bachelet, a dedicated leader and true Gender Champion with an impressive record of breaking glass ceilings, as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In March 2017, Michelle Bachelet was made Honorary International Gender Champion by Michael Møller, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, thus honoring her tireless efforts in advancing gender equality and the full participation of women in society. “In so doing, she serves as an example for us all”, Mr. Møller said.
Ms. Bachelet was Chile’s first female Health Minister in 2000, as well as the country’s first female Defense Minister in 2002. In 2006, she became the first woman to serve as President of Chile. During her two terms, she helped advance gender equality in countless ways. Under her leadership, a Women and Gender Equality Ministry was established and legal quotas for women representation in Congress and political parties were adopted.
She also served as the first Executive Director of UN-Women between her two presidential terms.
More information:
- UN Press release on appointment of Michelle Bachelet as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Michelle Bachelet on why women need to play a bigger role in society’s development – SDG Studio UN Geneva – SDG 5
- Gender Trailblazer President Michelle Bachelet of Chile named Honorary International Gender Champion
Photo: Michelle Bachelet, Former President of Chile, addresses the general debate of the General Assembly’s seventieth session, 28 September 2015, United Nations, New York. UN Photo/Amanda Voisard