Lana Nusseibeh faces criticism over UN Secretary-General bid

by@Reuters

Summary

Human rights monitors have voiced strong opposition to Lana Nusseibeh's candidacy for UN Secretary-General, criticizing her involvement in UAE policies that allegedly contribute to the conflict in Sudan. Activists argue that Nusseibeh, who served as UAE ambassador to the UN for over a decade, lacks the moral authority needed to lead the organization. Concerns have intensified following a recent UN report linking the UAE to the supply of foreign arms and support that exacerbates the Sudan crisis, which has displaced over 14 million people since its outbreak in April 2023. In response to the criticism, Nusseibeh stated her commitment to focusing on humanitarian efforts in Sudan, despite activists' ongoing campaign to block her bid. The selection process remains contentious, with no candidate enjoying significant backing from the Security Council's permanent members.

Analysis

Kenneth Roth: Kenneth Roth is the former executive director of Human Rights Watch, a prominent human rights organization. He has organized and spoken at webinars and campaigns criticizing UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh's bid for UN Secretary-General, highlighting concerns about her responses to allegations of UAE involvement in Sudan's conflict. Roth argues that such positions undermine the moral leadership required for the UN's top role. Lana Nusseibeh: Lana Nusseibeh is a senior UAE diplomat who served as the country's ambassador to the United Nations for more than a decade and previously led its campaign for Security Council membership. She is widely regarded by diplomats as a competent manager, skilled negotiator, and clear communicator. In the current news, she launched a late bid to become the next UN Secretary-General, drawing criticism from human rights monitors over her defense of UAE foreign policy amid the Sudan conflict. United Nations: The United Nations is the primary international organization responsible for maintaining global peace, security, and humanitarian efforts among its 193 member states. It is currently led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose second term ends in 2026, triggering a race for his successor that has struggled to reach consensus among the five permanent Security Council members. The organization faces challenges including multiple ongoing wars, reduced U.S. contributions, and declining political relevance, with Nusseibeh's candidacy emerging as a new factor in the selection process. Human Rights Campaign: Activists have launched a public campaign including a dedicated website urging governments to oppose Nusseibeh's candidacy due to concerns over her alignment with UAE policies. UN Leadership Selection: The race to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN Secretary-General remains gridlocked, with no candidate securing overwhelming support from the Security Council's permanent members. Sudan Conflict Accountability: A recent UN fact-finding mission identified foreign weapons, technology, fighters, and networks, including those linked to the United Arab Emirates, as helping sustain Sudan's ongoing war.

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