South Africa: SA Judge Accepts UNHCR Nomination

Posted to the web 23 July 2008 Joe Lauria Durban-born Navanethem Pillay has been notified of her nomination as the new UN Human Rights Commissioner, despite American reservations. Michelle Montas, UN chief spokesperson, said on Monday a nomination to the position had been made. She did not name Pillay, but UN officials privately said Pillay had accepted the post. A formal announcement won't come until Tuesday or Wednesday and still has to be ratified by the UN General Assembly. UN officials said not all UN member nations had been informed yet, noting that the delay was not because of US criticism. The officials did not believe the US would block Pillay's confirmation in the General Assembly, which Washington could do, as approval is by consensus, not a vote. "They won't block it (Washington) is just registering its concerns,"... [read full story]