Iran Press/ America: The United Nations’ human rights chief has announced her decision to step down, citing “personal reasons”, amid weeks of speculation following her recent China trip that drew fierce criticism from activists and western politicians.
Writing on Twitter, Michelle Bachelet, who assumed the office of the UN high commissioner for human rights in 2018, said: “It is time to go back to Chile and be with family.”
Bachelet’s announcement came as pressure mounted following her recent statement on the human rights situation in China, where she conducted a six-day tour due to Covid restrictions. But it is not immediately clear whether her decision not to seek a renewed term has to do with her handling of the trip.
Guterres, who chooses the UN rights chief, recently affirmed his support for Bachelet following her six-day trip to China, during which she spoke with President Xi Jinping and other top officials. 219
