Geneva, Switzerland. Several candidates seeking to become the next head of the United Nations called on Tuesday for stronger human rights protections, respect for international law and reforms to strengthen the organisation. Four of the five candidates to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined their priorities during a debate in Geneva.
UN faces financial and political pressures
Guterres completes his second five-year term at the end of this year as the United Nations faces a severe financial crisis caused by cuts from major humanitarian donors.
The organisation is also dealing with $4 billion in unpaid US arrears, multiplying conflicts and widespread violations of international law.
Espinosa calls for energetic leadership
Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former foreign affairs minister and defence minister in Ecuador, said the crisis required an energetic leader.
She said the moment called for a “renaissance Secretary-General” capable of restoring the UN’s moral authority and proposed creating an early action hub to address conflicts as they emerge.
Grynspan highlights peace and cooperation
Rebeca Grynspan, a former vice president of Costa Rica, said the UN should work more closely with other regional institutions to strengthen peace and security.
Describing herself as a daughter of peace because her parents fled Europe as refugees during World War Two, Grynspan said she was running because peace was in peril and trust in the UN and international organisations was eroding.
Bachelet puts human rights at the centre
Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, said human rights were central to her vision for the role.
Asked by reporters after the debate whether supporting women’s sexual and reproductive rights could lead to a veto by the United States, Bachelet said she would be honoured if that happened.
She said human rights, including sexual and reproductive rights, were essential and that the Secretary-General must continue the agreements the UN has, citing Beijing +20, a global agreement on women’s rights.