“The world still believes in human rights”: Awa Dabo on her new role as UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

Awa Dabo, the newly appointed UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed confidence that people across the globe remain committed to human rights values and continue to trust multilateralism as a force for meaningful progress.

In her first week in office at UN Human Rights, Dabo spoke with conviction about why human rights work matters now more than ever.

“I am very excited to be coming to work on human rights at a time like this,” Dabo said. “It is an important time because of where we are geopolitically and where the world stands on human rights.”

Bringing Human Rights closer to the people

For Dabo, one of UN Human Rights’ critical priorities is the strengthening of the regional and country footprint— making human rights tangible and meaningful and ensuring they translate into real impact in people’s lives.

“We live in a much more cynical world,” she said. “What we now need to do is to make sure that we continue to build and strengthen coalitions around human rights. Not to forget the youth, not to forget the women, indigenous peoples, peoples with disabilities and so many, sadly marginalized groups — together we have a common vision and common agenda.”

A human rights lawyer with extensive experience in crisis recovery, peacebuilding, transitional justice, humanitarian affairs and development, Dabo noted that the challenge for human rights is not remaining relevant but bridging the gap between institutions and people.

“I want us to bring back the trust and the belief in the institutions and in multilateralism. I want us to restore hope to the people we serve and help them see the real value of this work.”

She expressed optimism about the Office’s role as a coalition builder for the majority of the world that remains committed to human dignity.

Dabo paid tribute to the dedication of staff working to advance human rights for everyone, everywhere, despite mounting challenges.

“It has been a difficult time, not only for human rights, but also for the United Nations,” Dabo said. “For those of us who have worked in the UN, this is a deeply emotional moment because we see how unfairly the UN is often attacked, despite the tremendous work we do, and the sacrifices made every single day.”

She emphasized that the organization's leadership recognizes and values the commitment of staff.

“I want staff to know that this is something we, as the leadership of this organization, recognize and deeply appreciate,” she said. “We are in this boat together, determined to keep raising the flag and not falter in our ambition or our goal — to deliver human rights for everyone, everywhere.”

Dabo emphasized that human rights work needs partners, including Member States, civil society and the private sector — each of which has a role to play.

“We need to build the alliances and partnerships required to deliver on human rights,” she said.

Watch the full interview with Awa Dabo, the newly appointed UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, here: