Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

At the urging of the U.S. and other nations, the General Assembly established the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 1993. The High Commissioner's mandate includes promotion and protection of human rights worldwide through direct contact with individual governments and the provision of technical assistance where appropriate. Holding the rank of Under Secretary General, the High Commissioner coordinates human rights activities throughout the United Nations system and supervises the United Nations Center for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.